U.S. patent application number 10/554498 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for drive device.
Invention is credited to Ichihiro Abe, Noriyuki Komori, Hideki Kunishio, Hiroyuki Miyake, Yuji Tadano.
Application Number | 20060207250 10/554498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33436436 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060207250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Komori; Noriyuki ; et
al. |
September 21, 2006 |
Drive device
Abstract
The driving device includes a bendable shape memory alloy
member, a resilient member for applying a tension to the shape
memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof, a bending
member for bending the shape memory alloy member, and a movable
body moved by a displacement of the shape memory alloy member. The
bending member contacts the shape memory alloy member, so that the
tension is applied to the shape memory alloy member in the
longitudinal direction thereof. Compared with the driving device in
which the shape memory alloy member is linearly disposed, the
decrease in the amount of displacement can be suppressed, so that a
space efficiency can be enhanced and the downsizing of the driving
device can be accomplished.
Inventors: |
Komori; Noriyuki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Abe; Ichihiro; (Tokyo, JP) ; Miyake;
Hiroyuki; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kunishio; Hideki;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Tadano; Yuji; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
33436436 |
Appl. No.: |
10/554498 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
April 30, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP04/06319 |
371 Date: |
October 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/527 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03G 7/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
060/527 |
International
Class: |
F01B 29/10 20060101
F01B029/10; F02G 1/04 20060101 F02G001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 12, 2003 |
JP |
2003-132506 |
Sep 9, 2003 |
JP |
2003-316444 |
Claims
1. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy
member; an urging means which applies a tension to said shape
memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; and a
bending means which bends said shape memory alloy member, said
bending means having a plurality of contact portions contacting
said shape memory alloy member, said plurality of contact portions
being disposed along a closed path, wherein said contact portions
contact said shape memory alloy member so that a tension is applied
to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction
thereof.
2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein said bending
means has a bending member having a plurality of convex portions on
a circumferential surface thereof, and said a plurality of convex
portions constitute said plurality of contact portions.
3. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein said bending
means is rotatable.
4. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein said bending
means has a protrusion that further protrudes from said contact
portion, and said shape memory alloy member is further bent by said
projection.
5. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein said contact
portions are constituted by a plurality of pin-shaped members
disposed along a closed path.
6. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy
member; an urging means which applies a tension to said shape
memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; and a
bending means which bends said shape memory alloy member, said
bending means having a structural body and a plurality of
projections formed on said structural body, wherein said
projections contact said shape memory alloy member so that a
tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in a
longitudinal direction thereof.
7. The driving device according to claim 6, wherein said
projections have a plurality of convex portions on circumferential
surfaces thereof, and a plurality of convex portions contact said
shape memory alloy member.
8. The driving device according to claim 6, wherein said bending
means further has a protrusion that protrudes from said structural
body, and said shape memory alloy member is bent by contacting said
protrusion.
9. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy
member; an urging means which applies a tension to said shape
memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; a bending
means which bends said shape memory alloy member, said bending
means having a plurality of contact portions contacting said shape
memory alloy member; and an energizing circuit for causing a
current to flow through said shape memory alloy member, wherein
said contact portions contact said shape memory alloy member so
that a tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in the
longitudinal direction thereof, and said energizing circuit causes
a current to flow through said shape memory alloy member via said
contact portions.
10. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein said
energizing circuit causes the current to flow through said shape
memory alloy member via two contact portions, among said plurality
of contact portions, respectively closest to both ends of said
shape memory alloy member.
11. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein said
energizing circuit causes a current to flow through said shape
memory alloy member via two contact portions adjacent to each
other, among said plurality of contact portions.
12. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein a current
caused to flow through said shape memory alloy member by said
energizing circuit via said contact portions differs according to a
position in a longitudinal direction of said shape memory alloy
member.
13. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein said contact
portions are pin-shaped members.
14. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein said plurality
of contact portions are conductive portions formed on a surface of
a structural body made of insulation material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a driving device, and particularly
relates to a driving device that utilizes the characteristics of a
shape memory alloy to generate a driving force.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there is known a driving device using a
shape memory alloy in the form of a wire, as disclosed in, for
example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 2000-310181
(see Page 2, FIG. 11) and HEI 5-224136 (see Page 3, FIG. 3). Such a
driving device utilizes the characteristics of the shape memory
alloy member that changes to a memorized shape when the shape
memory alloy member is heated to a temperature higher than a
transformation temperature, and returns to its original shape when
the shape memory alloy member is cooled to a temperature lower than
the transformation temperature. The amount of displacement of the
shape memory alloy member is several percents of the entire length
of the shape memory alloy member, and therefore it is necessary to
increase the entire length of the shape memory alloy member in
order to obtain the sufficient output (the amount of displacement)
of the driving device. However, if the shape memory alloy member is
linearly disposed, it is necessary to provide a large space.
[0003] Therefore, a driving device is recently proposed, in which
the shape memory alloy member is wound around a winding member so
that the shape memory alloy member whose entire length is long can
be disposed in a small space. Such a driving device is disclosed
in, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos.
2000-31018 (see Page 6, FIG. 1), HEI 8-226376 (see Pages 3-5, FIG.
1), HEI 10-148174 (see Pages 2-3, FIG. 1), and HEI 8-77674 (see
Page 5, FIG. 5).
[0004] However, if the shape memory alloy member is wound around
the winding member as disclosed in these publications, the amount
of displacement of the shape memory alloy member decreases,
compared with the case in which the shape memory alloy member is
linearly disposed.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above
described problems, and an object of the present invention is to
provide a driving device capable of suppressing the decrease in the
amount of displacement compared with a driving device in which a
shape memory alloy member is linearly disposed, and capable of
being disposed in small space (i.e., capable of enhancing a space
efficiency).
[0006] A driving device according to the present invention includes
a bendable shape memory alloy member, an urging means that applies
a tension to the shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal
direction thereof, a bending means which bends the shape memory
alloy member and has a plurality of contact portions contacting the
shape memory alloy member, the contact portions being disposed
along a closed path, wherein the contact. portions contact the
shape memory alloy member so that the tension is applied to the
shape memory alloy member in the longitudinal direction
thereof.
[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to
suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement of a shape
memory alloy member, and capable of enhancing a space efficiency so
as to accomplish the downsizing of the driving device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a driving device according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the driving device
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to a comparative example with respect to Embodiment 1 of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to another comparative example with respect to Embodiment
1 of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for illustrating an experiment
regarding the driving device shown in FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view for illustrating an
experiment on the driving device shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6(b) is
a plan view thereof;
[0014] FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view for illustrating an
experiment on the driving device shown in FIG. 4 with a winding
pattern of a shape memory alloy member being varied, and FIG. 7(b)
is a plan view thereof;
[0015] FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view for illustrating an
experiment on the driving device shown in FIG. 4 with the winding
pattern of the shape memory alloy member being varied, and FIG.
8(b) is a plan view thereof;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a driving device according to
Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a driving device according to
Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing another configuration example
of a driving device according to Embodiment 5 of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 15(a) is a perspective view for illustrating an
experiment on the driving device according to Embodiment 6 of the
present invention, and FIG. 15(b) is a plan view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 16(a) is a perspective view for illustrating an
experiment on the driving device according to Embodiment 6 of the
present invention, with a winding angle of a shape memory alloy
member being varied, and FIG. 16(b) is a plan view thereof;
[0024] FIG. 17(a) is a perspective view for illustrating an
experiment on the driving device according to Embodiment 6 of the
present invention, with the winding angle of the shape memory alloy
member being further varied, and FIG. 17(b) is a plan view
thereof;
[0025] FIG. 18(a) is a perspective view for illustrating the shape
of a bending member according to Embodiment 6 of the present
invention, and FIGS. 18(b), 18(c) and 18(d) are plan views showing
concrete shapes of the bending member;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a graph showing a relationship between a contact
ratio and a displacement ratio, which corresponds to Table 1;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the relationship between the
contact ratio and the displacement ratio, which corresponds to
Table 2;
[0028] FIG. 21(a) is a plan view showing the shape of the bending
member according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and
FIGS. 21(b) and 21(c) are plan views illustrating other
configuration examples of the bending member;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a driving device according to
Embodiment 7 of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 24(a) is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, and FIG. 24(b)
is a side view thereof;
[0032] FIG. 25(a) is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention, and FIG. 25(b)
is a perspective view seen in the different direction;
[0033] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 27 is a plan view for illustrating an experiment on the
driving device according to Embodiment 11 of the present
invention;
[0035] FIGS. 28(a), 28(b), 28(c) and 28(d) are plan views of
winding members used in the experiment of FIG. 27;
[0036] FIG. 29 is a graph showing a result of the experiment on the
driving device according to Embodiment 11 of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 31 is a perspective view for illustrating an experiment
on the driving device according to Embodiment 12 of the present
invention;
[0039] FIGS. 32(a), (b), (c) and (d) are plan views for
respectively illustrating experiments using bending members having
different sectional shapes;
[0040] FIGS. 33(a), (b), (c) and (d) are plan views respectively
showing four kinds of bending members in the form of approximately
triangle column;
[0041] FIGS. 34(a), (b), (c) and (d) are plan views respectively
showing four kinds of bending members in the form of approximately
square column;
[0042] FIGS. 35(a), (b), (c) and (d) are plan views respectively
showing four kinds of bending members in the form of approximately
hexagonal column;
[0043] FIGS. 36(a), (b), (c) and (d) are plan views respectively
showing four kinds of bending members in the form of approximate
cylinder;
[0044] FIG. 37 is a graph showing a relationship between the
contact ratio and the displacement ratio, which corresponds to
Table 4;
[0045] FIGS. 38(a) and (b) are views for illustrating steps of a
method for fixing a shape memory alloy member according to
Embodiment 13 of the present invention to a crimp contact, and
FIGS. 38(c) and (d) are views for illustrating another example of
the steps;
[0046] FIG. 39 is a view for illustrating the following step
succeeding to the step shown in FIG. 38(b) or FIG. 38(d);
[0047] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a driving device according
to Embodiment 14 of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 41(a) is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to a comparative example with respect to Embodiment 14 of
the present invention, and FIG. 41(b) is a perspective view showing
a configuration example of the driving device as another
comparative example;
[0049] FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing another configuration
example of the driving device according to Embodiment 15 of the
present invention;
[0051] FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing an experiment on the
driving device according to Embodiment 16 of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 46 is a graph showing a result of the experimental
shown in FIG. 45, which corresponds to Table 5;
[0054] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of another configuration
example of the driving device according to Embodiment 16 of the
present invention;
[0055] FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing the driving device
according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing an energizing circuit of
the driving device according to Embodiment 16 of the present
invention;
[0057] FIG. 50 is a block diagram showing an energizing circuit in
the case where a uniform current flows throughout the shape memory
alloy member, which is a comparative example with respect to
Embodiment 16 of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 51 is a circuit diagram of an energizing circuit shown
in FIG. 49;
[0059] FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 53 is a perspective view showing another configuration
example of the driving device according to Embodiment 17 of the
present invention;
[0061] FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention;
[0063] FIGS. 56(a), (b) and (c) are perspective views respectively
showing three kinds of experimental arrangements for carrying out
experiments on the driving device according to Embodiment 19 of the
present invention;
[0064] FIG. 57 is a graph showing a result of the experiment using
the experimental arrangements shown in FIG. 56, which corresponds
to Table 6;
[0065] FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 20 of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 59 is a perspective view showing an experimental
arrangement for carrying out an experiment on the driving device
according to Embodiment 20 of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 60 is a graph showing a result of the experimental
using the experimental arrangement shown in FIG. 59, which
corresponds to Table 7;
[0068] FIG. 61(a) is a perspective view showing a driving device
according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention, and FIG. 61(b)
is a perspective view showing another configuration example of the
driving device according to Embodiment 21 of the present
invention;
[0069] FIG. 62(a) is a perspective view showing still another
configuration example of the driving device according to Embodiment
21 of the present invention, and FIG. 62(b) is a perspective view
showing yet another configuration example of the driving device
according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 63(a) is a perspective view showing still another
configuration example of the driving device according to Embodiment
21 of the present invention, FIG. 63(b) is a front view thereof,
and FIG. 63(c) is perspective view seen in the different direction;
and
[0071] FIGS. 64(a) and 64(b) are a sectional view and a perspective
view showing a configuration example in the case where the
conventional driving device is applied to drive a lens of a camera,
which is a comparative example with respect to Embodiment 21.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1.
[0072] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a plan view and a perspective view showing
a driving device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a base 6 of the driving
device 1 has a placing surface 6a and a wall surface 6b
perpendicular to the placing surface 6a. On the placing surface 6a,
a pin-shaped bending member 5 is planted on a position distanced
from the wall surface 6b. A shape memory alloy member 2 is wound
around the circumferential surface of the bending member 5 at a
winding angle .theta. of 180 degrees, with one end (fixed end)
being fixed to a wall surface 6b, with the other end (movable end)
being fixed to a side of a movable body 3. The expression that the
winding angle is 180 degrees means that the shape memory alloy
member 2 contacts the bending member 5 and is bent at 180 degrees.
An end of a resilient member 4 made of a tension coil spring is
fixed to the wall surface 6b, and the other end of the resilient
member 4 is fixed to the other side (the side opposite to the side
fixed to the shape memory alloy member 2) of the movable body 3 in
such a manner that the resilient member 4 is slightly stretched to
cause a predetermined tension.
[0073] In the driving device 1, an energizing circuit 7 causes a
direct current to flow between the fixed end of the shape memory
alloy 2 and the fixed end (the end fixed to the wall surface 6b) of
the resilient member 4, so as to heat the shape memory alloy member
2 by means of heat (Joule heat) caused by the electric resistance
of the shape memory alloy member 2. For this purpose, a conducting
material is used for the resilient member 4 and the movable body 3.
However, the method for heating the shape memory alloy member 2 is
not limited to this method. It is possible that the movable body 3
contacts the placing surface 6a. In such a case, the friction
generated between the movable body 3 and the placing surface 6a
when the movable body 3 moves is negligible compared to the tension
applied to the shape memory alloy member 2.
[0074] The bending member 5 constitutes a bending means that bends
the shape memory alloy member 2. A portion of the circumferential
surface of the bending member 5 contacting the shape memory alloy
member 2 constitutes a contact portion of the bending means
contacting the shape memory alloy member 2. The base 6 constitutes
a holding means that holds the bending member 5.
[0075] In the above constructed driving device 1, when the
energizing circuit 7 causes a predetermined direct current (for
example, 100 mA) to flows through the shape memory alloy member 2,
the shape memory alloy member 2 is heated and contracted, so that
the movable body 3 moves in the direction of an arrow A resisting
the urging force of the resilient member 4. When the energization
of the shape memory alloy member 2 is stopped, the temperature of
the shape memory alloy member 2 decreases and the shape memory
alloy member 2 is expanded to its original length, so that the
movable body 3 moves in the direction of an arrow B by the urging
force of the resilient member 4.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a driving device according to
a comparative example with respect to this embodiment, i.e., a
driving device 100 in which a shape memory alloy member 101 is
linearly disposed. An end of the shape memory alloy member 101 is
fixed to a fixed wall 104a, and the other end is fixed to a side (a
right side in FIG. 3) of a movable body 102. The other side (a left
side in FIG. 3) of the movable body 102 is fixed to an end of a
resilient member 103. The other end of the resilient member 103 is
fixed to another fixed wall 104b. Due to the urging force of the
resilient member 103, a tension is applied to the shape memory
alloy member 101 in the longitudinal direction thereof, so that the
shape memory alloy member 101 is linearly disposed without
slackening. The heating of the shape memory alloy member 101 is
carried out by the energization of an energizing circuit 105. When
the shape memory alloy member 101 is energized by the energizing
circuit 105, the shape memory alloy member 101 is contracted, so
that the movable body 102 moves in a direction shown by an arrow A.
When the energization of the shape memory alloy member 101 is
stopped, the movable body 102 moves in a direction. shown by an
arrow B. However, in the driving device 100, since the shape memory
alloy member 101 is linearly disposed, it is difficult to reduce
the dimension of the device in the longitudinal direction of the
shape memory alloy member 101.
[0077] FIG. 4 is a view showing another comparative example with
respect to the embodiment, i.e., a driving device 110 in which a
shape memory alloy member 101 is wound around a cylindrical winding
member 106 having a large diameter (for example, a diameter of 10
mm) at about 360 degrees. By winding the shape memory alloy member
101 around the winding member 106 at about 360 degrees, the shape
memory alloy member 101 whose entire length is long can be disposed
in a small space (i.e., the space efficiency can be enhanced).
However, the amount of displacement of the movable body 102 becomes
smaller compared with the driving device 100 shown in FIG. 3.
[0078] An experimental result on the driving devices 100 and 110
according to the comparative examples will be described. FIG. 5
shows an experimental method in the case where a shape memory alloy
member 101 is linearly disposed (corresponding to the driving
device 100 of FIG. 3). Crimp contacts 120 are fixed to both ends of
the shape memory alloy member 101 in the form of a wire having a
diameter of 60 .mu.m and a length of 50 mm. One of the crimp
contacts 120 is fixed to a fixing pin 121a, and the other of the
crimp contacts 120 is fixed to an end of a resilient member 103.
The other end of the resilient member 103 is fixed to another
fixing pin 121b. The amount of displacement of the movable body 102
(FIG. 3) is evaluated by measuring the amount of displacement of
the crimp contact 120 connecting the shape memory alloy member 101
and the resilient member 103. The resilient member 103 (tension
coil spring) is expanded by 1 mm in a state where the shape memory
alloy member 101 is not energized. A resilient member 103 causes
the tension of about 49.times.10.sup.-3 N when the resilient member
103 is expanded by 1 mm, and causes the tension of about
98.times.10.sup.-3 N when the resilient member 103 is further
expanded by 1 mm (i.e., when the shape memory alloy member 2 is
contracted by 1 mm).
[0079] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6(a) and (b), the same experiment
is carried out in such a manner that the shape memory alloy member
101 in the form of a wire is wound around a cylindrical winding
member 106 having a diameter of 10 mm at about 180 degrees. The
winding member 106 is made of POM (polyoxymethylene) or ABS
(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene resin). The length C of the shape
memory alloy member 101 from the winding member 106 to each crimp
contact 120 is set to be 17.1 mm. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7(a)
and (b), the same experiment is carried out in such a manner that
the shape memory alloy member 101 is wound around the winding
member 106 at 360 degrees. The lengths C1 and C2 of the shape
memory alloy member 101 from the winding member 106 to the
respective crimp contacts 120 are set to be 9.3 mm. Furthermore, as
shown in FIGS. 8(a) and (b), the same experiment is carried out in
such a manner that the shape memory alloy member 101 is wound
around the winding member 106 at 450 degrees. The length C of the
shape memory alloy member 101 from the winding member 106 to each
crimp contact 120 is set to be 11 mm.
[0080] As a result of the experiment, when the shape memory alloy
member 101 is linearly disposed as shown in FIG. 5, the amount of
displacement of the end of the shape memory alloy member 101 is 1.6
mm. In contrast, in the experiment in which the shape memory alloy
member 101 is wound around the winding member 106 having a diameter
of 10 mm at about 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 6, the amount of
displacement is about 1.0 mm in each of cases where POM and ABS are
used. Moreover, in the experiment in which the shape memory alloy
member 101 is wound at about 360 degrees as shown in FIG. 7, the
amount of displacement is 0.5 mm (when the winding member 106 is
POM) and 1.0 mm (when the winding member 106 is ABS). Moreover, in
the experiment in which the shape memory alloy member 101 is wound
at about 450 degrees as shown in FIG. 8, the amount of displacement
is 0.3 mm (when the winding member 106 is POM) and 0.6 mm (when the
winding member 106 is ABS). That is, it is understood that the
amount of displacement of the shape memory alloy member 101
decreases to about 35% (POM) and about 61% (ABS) when the winding
angle is 360 degrees, and decreases to about 20% (POM) and about
36% (ABS) when the winding angle is 450 degrees, compared with the
case in which the shape memory alloy member 101 is linearly
disposed (FIG. 5).
[0081] Next, the result of the same experiment on the driving
device 1 according to the embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) will be
described. The experiment is carried out in the same method as that
shown in FIG. 5. The bending member 5 is a pin-shaped member made
of metal having a diameter of 1 mm. The shape memory alloy member 2
is formed in the form of a wire having a diameter of about 60 .mu.m
and the length of 50 mm. When the shape memory alloy member 2 is
not energized, the length of the shape memory alloy member 2 from
the movable body 3 (the crimp contact) to the pin 5 is 11.8 mm. The
resilient member 4 causes the tension of about 49.times.10.sup.-3 N
when the resilient member 4 is expanded by 1 mm, and causes the
tension of about 98.times.10.sup.-3 N when the resilient member 4
is further expanded by 1 mm (i.e., when the shape memory alloy
member 2 is contracted by 1 mm).
[0082] In the experiment using the driving device 1 according to
the embodiment, when the direct current of 100 mA flows through the
shape memory alloy member 2 so that the shape memory alloy member 2
is heated and contracted, the amount of displacement of the end of
the shape memory alloy member 2 is 1.5 mm. That is, the amount of
displacement of about 94% is obtained, with respect to the amount
(1.6 mm) of displacement when the shape memory alloy member is
linearly disposed. In other words, it is understood that, by
bending the shape memory alloy member 2 using the winding member
5(a metal pin having a diameter of 1 mm), it is possible to obtain
the amount of displacement of about 94% with respect to the case in
which the shape memory alloy member 2 is linearly disposed.
[0083] As described above, according to the driving device 1 of the
embodiment, the shape memory alloy member 2 is bent by the bending
member 5 so that the tension is applied to the shape memory alloy
member 2 in the longitudinal direction thereof, and therefore the
decrease in the amount of displacement of the movable body 3 can be
suppressed, and the shape memory alloy member 2 whose entire length
is long can be disposed in a smaller space. In other words, the
space efficiency can be enhanced.
Embodiment 2.
[0084] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a driving device 11 according
to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The driving device 11 is
different from the driving device 1 of the above described
Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in that an additional bending member
12 is added for bending the shape memory alloy member 2 at two
positions and two wall portions 13b and 13c are formed on a base
13. In the driving device 11, parts in common with the driving
device 1 of Embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference
numerals.
[0085] In this driving device 11, the wall portions 13b and 13c are
formed on both sides of the base 13. In addition to the bending
member 5, a bending member 12 is planted on the placing surface 13a
of the base 13 on the wall portion 13b side with respect to the
bending member 5. An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy
member 2 is fixed to the wall portion 13c. The shape memory alloy
member 2 is wound around the bending members 5 and 12 so that each
winding angle is about 180 degrees. The other end (movable end) of
the shape memory alloy member 2 is fixed to the movable body 3.
[0086] The bending member 5 is disposed on a position so that
opposing portions 2a and 2b of the shape memory alloy member 2 bent
around the bending member 5 become almost parallel to each other
and do not interfere with the movement of the movable body 3. As an
example of dimension, in the direction in which the opposing
portions 2a and 2b extend (the moving direction of the movable body
3), an interval C2 between the movable member 3 and the bending
member 5 is 12.6 mm, an interval C3 between the bending members 5
and 12 is 10 mm, an interval C4 between the bending member 12 and
the wall portion 13c is 22.5 mm. An interval C1 between the bending
portions 5 and 12 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in
which the opposing part 2a and 2b extend is 5 mm.
[0087] The bending members 5 and 12 constitute a bending means
which bends the shape memory alloy member 2. Portions of the
circumferential surfaces of the bending members 5 and 12 contacting
the shape memory alloy member 2 constitute a contact portion of the
bending means contacting the shape memory alloy member 2. The base
13 constitutes a holding means which holds the bending members 5
and 12.
[0088] In the above described configuration, the experiment that
has been described with reference to FIG. 5 is carried out. In this
case, the pin-shaped bending members 5 and 12 each having a
diameter of 1 mm are used. The other measurement conditions are the
same as those described with reference to FIG. 5. When the direct
current of 100 mA flows through the shape memory alloy member 2 so
that the shape memory alloy member 2 is heated and contracted, the
amount of displacement of the movable body 3 is about 1.3 mm.
[0089] In other words, the amount of displacement of the movable
body 3 becomes about 81% with respect to the case in which the
shape memory alloy member 2 is linearly disposed. It is understood
that the decrease in the amount of displacement (which may
accompany the enhancement of the space efficiency) can be
suppressed.
[0090] As described above, according to the driving device of this
embodiment, since the shape memory alloy member 2 is bent two times
by means. of two pin-shaped bending members 5 and 12, it becomes
possible to suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement of
the movable body 3, and to enhance the space efficiency. Further,
since two bending members 5 and 12 are used, it becomes possible to
dispose the walls 13b and 13c closer to each other, and therefore
the space efficiency can be further enhanced.
Embodiment 3.
[0091] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the driving device 21
according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This driving
device 21 is different from the driving device 1 of Embodiment 1
(FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in that two bending portions are provided and a
plurality of portions for bending the shape memory alloy member 22
(guide grooves) are formed on the respective bending members 23 and
24. In the driving device 21, parts in common with the driving
device 1 of Embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference
numerals.
[0092] In this driving device 21, two bending members 24 and 23 are
planted on the base 6 in this order from the side closer to the
wall portion 6b. Four guide grooves 23a are formed on the
circumferential surface of the bending member 23 at intervals in
the axial direction of the bending member 23. Three guide grooves
24a are formed on the circumferential surface of the bending member
24 at intervals in the axial direction of the bending member 24. An
end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 22 is fixed to the
wall portion 6b, and the other end (movable end) is fixed to the
movable body 3. The shape memory alloy member 22 is wound around
four guide grooves 23a of the bending member 23 and three guide
grooves 24a of the bending member 24 so that each winding angle is
about 180 degrees. In other words, two bending member 23 and 24
have contact portions at seven positions in total, which contact
the shape memory alloy member 22 so as to bend the shape memory
alloy member 22. In this embodiment, in order to avoid the short
circuit of the shape memory alloy member 22, the bending members 23
and 24 are made of insulation material or the like.
[0093] Two bending members 23 and 24 constitute a bending means
which bends the shape memory alloy member 22. Portions of the
respective guide grooves 23a and 24a contacting the shape memory
alloy member 22 constitute a contact portion of the bending means
contacting the shape memory alloy member 22. The base 6 constitutes
a holding means which holds the bending members 23 and 24. The
resilient member 4 constitutes an urging means that urges the shape
memory alloy member 22.
[0094] In the above described configuration, as is the case with
Embodiment 1, the movable body 3 can be displaced by causing a
predetermined direct current (for example, 100 mA) to flow through
the shape memory alloy member 22 by means of the energizing circuit
7 so that the shape memory alloy member 22 is heated and
contracted.
[0095] As described above, according to the driving device 21 of
this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently dispose the longer
shape memory alloy member 22, and therefore it is possible to
suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement of the movable
body 3 and to further enhance the space efficiency.
[0096] Moreover, since the guide grooves 23a and 24a are formed on
the bending members 23 and 24, the shape memory alloy member 22 can
be easily wound, the deviation of the winding position of the shape
memory alloy member 22 can be prevented, and the short circuit of
the shape memory alloy member 22 can be prevented.
Embodiment 4.
[0097] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a driving device 31
according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This driving
device 31 is different from the driving device 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2 )
of Embodiment 1 in that four pin-shaped bending member 33, 34, 35
and 36 are provided. In the driving device 31, parts in common with
the driving device 1 of Embodiment 1 are assigned the same
reference numerals.
[0098] In this driving device 31, four pin-shaped. bending members
33 through 36 are provided at positions corresponding to four
corners of a rectangle of the placing surface 6a of the base 6. An
end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 32 is fixed to the
wall portion 6b, and the shape memory alloy member 32 is wound
around the bending members 33 through 36 in about two turns and
half so that each winding angle is 90 degrees. The other end
(movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 32 is fixed to the
movable body 3. The shape memory alloy member 32 is wound around
the bending members 34 and 35 at three positions axially apart from
each other, and wound around the bending members 33 and 36 at two
positions axially apart from each other. That is, four bending
members 33 through 36 have ten contact portions in total that
contact the shape memory alloy member 32 so as to bend the shape
memory alloy member 32. For example, in this embodiment, in order
to avoid the short circuit of the shape memory alloy member 32, the
bending members 33 through 36 are made of insulating material.
Moreover, it is possible to provide the guide groove (the guide
grooves 23a and 24a shown in FIG. 10) described in Embodiment 3 on
the bending members 33 and 36.
[0099] Four bending members 33 through 36 constitute a bending
means which bends the shape memory alloy member 32. Portions of the
bending members 33 through 36 contacting the shape memory alloy
member 32 constitute a contact portion of the bending means. The
base 6 constitutes a holding means which holds the bending members
33 through 36.
[0100] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing a predetermined direct current (for
example, 100 mA) to flow through the shape memory alloy member 32
using the energizing circuit 7 so that the shape memory alloy
member 32 is heated and contracted.
[0101] Although the bending portions 33 and 36 are disposed on four
apexes of the rectangle, it is also possible to properly change the
number and positions of the bending members, as long as the contact
portions contacting the shape memory alloy member 32 are formed
along a closed path. Further, in this example, although four
bending members 32 have contact portions at ten positions in total,
it is also possible to properly change this.
[0102] As described above, according to the driving device 31 of
this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently dispose the longer
shape memory alloy member 32, and therefore it is possible to
suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement of the movable
body 3 and to further enhance the space efficiency.
Embodiment 5.
[0103] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a driving device 41 according
to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. This driving device 41 is
different from the driving device 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of Embodiment 1
in that a shape memory alloy member 42 is wound around projections
44a and 44b projecting from corners of a housing 44 so that each
winding angle is 90 degrees. In the driving device 41, parts in
common with the driving device 1 of Embodiment 1 are assigned the
same reference numerals.
[0104] In the driving device 41, a housing 44 in the form of, for
example, a rectangular parallelepiped is formed on a placing
surface 43a of a base 43. The projections 44a and 44b are formed on
two corners of the housing 44 on the sides farther from a wall
portion 43b. The projections 44a and 44b project in directions
almost perpendicular to each other, and have contact surfaces (for
example, cylindrical surfaces) around which the shape memory alloy
member 42 is wound. The shape memory alloy member 42 is wound
around each contact surface of the projections 44a and 44b so that
the winding angle (corresponding to a bending angle) is 90
degrees.
[0105] An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 42 is
fixed to the wall portion 43b of the base 43, and the shape memory
alloy member 42 is wound around projections 44a and 44b so that
each winding angle is 90 degrees. The other end (movable end) of
the shape memory alloy member 42 is fixed to the movable body
3.
[0106] The projections 44a and 44b constitute a bending means which
bends the shape memory alloy member 42. Portions of the respective
projections 44a and 44b contacting the shape memory alloy member 42
constitute a contact portion of the bending means that contacts the
shape memory alloy member 42. The base 43 constitutes a holding
means which holds the housing 44 having the projections 44a and
44b.
[0107] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing a predetermined direct current (for
example, 100 mA) to flow through the shape memory alloy member 42
by means of the energizing circuit 7 as in Embodiment 1 so that the
shape memory alloy member 42 is heated and contracted.
[0108] In this embodiment, the projections 44a and 44b project from
the corners of the housing 44. However, the projections 44a and 44b
are is not limited to this configuration, but can be fixed to
proper positions (in terms of designing) on the housing 44. The
winding angle of the shape memory alloy member 42 is not limited to
90 degrees.
[0109] Moreover, it is possible to form the guide grooves 23a and
24a (FIG. 10) described in Embodiment 3 on the projections 44a and
44b. Further, it is also possible to form a step 44c on a position
where the shape memory alloy member 42 is wound, so that it becomes
easy to wind the shape memory alloy member 42.
[0110] As described above, according to the driving device 41 of
this embodiment, since the shape memory alloy member 42 is bent two
times (at 90 degrees for each) by a pair of projections 44a and
44b, the longer shape memory alloy member 42 can be efficiently
disposed. Further, the housing 44 constituting a part of the
driving device 41 can be utilized, and therefore the space
efficiency can be further enhanced.
Embodiment 6.
[0111] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a driving device 51
according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. This driving
device 51 is different from the driving device 11 (FIG. 9) of
Embodiment 2 in that a bending member 54 having convex portions on
a circumferential surface thereof is provided. In the driving
device 51, parts in common with the driving device 11 of Embodiment
2 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 14, the bending member 54 is formed on the
placing surface 13a of the base, and the bending member 54 is
approximately in the form of a cylinder having minute convex
portions on the circumferential surface thereof. The minute convex
portions of the bending member 54 constitute contact portions 54a
that contact the shape memory alloy member 2. The contact portions
54 are elongated in the axial direction of the bending member 54,
and a large number of the contact portions 54a are disposed in the
circumferential direction of the bending member 54.
[0113] An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 2 is
fixed to the wall portion 13c, and the shape memory alloy member 2
is wound around the bending member 54 in one turn so that the total
of the bending angles at the respective contact portions 54a is 360
degrees. The other end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy
member 2 is fixed to one side of the movable body 3. The other side
of the movable body 3 is fixed to an end of the resilient member 4,
and the other end of the resilient member 4 is fixed to the wall
portion 13b.
[0114] The bending member 54 constitutes a bending means which
bends the shape memory alloy member 2. The contact portions 54a
constitute contact portions (convex portions) that contacts the
shape memory alloy member 2 in the bending means. The base 31
constitutes a holding means which holds the bending member 54.
[0115] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing a predetermined direct current (for
example, 100 mA) to flow through the shape memory alloy member 2
using the energizing circuit 7 so that the shape memory alloy
member 2 is heated and contracted, as is the case with Embodiment
1.
[0116] Next, the experiment on the driving device 51 according to
this embodiment will be described. As is the case with the
experiments shown in the above described FIGS. 5 through 8, the
crimp contacts 120 and the fixing pins 121 are arranged as shown in
FIGS. 15 through 17.
[0117] As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and (b), the shape memory alloy
member 2 in the form of a wire is wound around the bending member
54 (having the contact portions 54a) at about 180 degrees, and the
bending member 54 is made of POM or ABS in the form of a cylinder
having a diameter of 10 mm.
[0118] The crimp contact 120 at an end of the shape memory alloy
member 2 is fixed to the fixing pin 121, and the crimp contact 120
at the other end of the shape memory alloy member 2 is fixed to
another fixing pin 121 via a resilient member 4. The length C of
the shape memory alloy member 2 from the bending member 54 to the
crimp contacts 120 at both ends of the shape memory alloy member 2
are set to be 17.1 mm. As shown in FIGS. 16(a) and (b), the shape
memory alloy member 2 is wound around the bending member 54 at 360
degrees, and the experiments are carried out similarly. The lengths
C1 and C2 of the shape memory alloy member 2 from the bending
member 54 to the crimp contacts 120 at both ends are set to be 9.3
mm. As shown in FIGS. 17(a) and (b), the shape memory alloy member
2 is wound around the bending member 54 at 450 degrees, and the
experiment is carried out similarly. The length C of the shape
memory alloy member 2 from the bending member 54 to the crimp
contacts 120 are set to be 11 mm.
[0119] FIG. 18(a) is a perspective view showing an outline shape of
the bending member used in the respective experiments. FIGS. 18(b)
through (d) are plan views showing three kinds of shapes used in
the respective experiments. The bending member 54 is an
approximately cylindrical member having a diameter D of 10 mm, and
has the contact portions 54a formed on the circumferential surface
thereof with a pitch (P) of 1.56 mm. Each contact portion 54a has a
circular-arc cross section having a radius of 5 mm. The widths W1
of the contact portion 54a are, respectively, 1.05 mm (FIG. 18(b)),
0.78 mm (FIG. 18(c)) and 0.52 mm (FIG. 18(d)). Moreover, the widths
W2 of the grooves between adjacent contact portions 54a are,
respectively, 0.52 mm (FIG. 18(b)), 0.78 mm (FIG. 18(c)) and 1.05
mm (FIG. 18(d)).
[0120] The other experimental conditions are the same as those of
Embodiment 1. The direct current of 100 mA flows through the shape
memory alloy member 2 so that the shape memory alloy member 2 is
heated and contracted, and the displacement of the movable end is
measured. The result of the measurement is shown in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 1 shows the case where the bending member 54 is made of ABS,
Table 2 shows the case where the bending member 54 is made of POM.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 DISPLACEMENT DISPLACEMENT CONTACT RATIO
CONTACT AMOUTN RATIO (%) RATIO (mm) (%) 450 360 180 (%) 450 360 170
33 82 86 90 33 1.3 1.3 1.4 50 77 85 82 50 1.2 1.3 1.3 67 71 73 81
67 1.1 1.2 1.3 100 36 61 62 100 0.6 1.0 1.0
[0121] TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 DISPLACEMENT DISPLACEMENT CONTACT
RATIO CONTACT AMOUTN RATIO (%) RATIO (mm) (%) 450 360 180 (%) 450
360 170 33 86 91 87 33 1.3 1.4 1.4 50 65 68 79 50 1.0 1.0 1.2 67 52
55 72 67 0.8 0.8 1.1 100 20 35 62 100 0.3 0.5 1.0
[0122] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the experimental result when ABS
is used as the bending member 54, which corresponds to Table 1.
FIG. 20 is a graph showing the experiment result when POM is used
as the bending member 54, which corresponds to Table 2. In FIGS. 19
and 20, a vertical axis indicates a displacement ratio H (%), i.e.,
a ratio of the measured displacement of the movable body 3 with
respect to the displacement when the shape memory alloy member 2 is
linearly disposed. A horizontal axis indicates a contact ratio S
(%), i.e., a ratio of the width W1 of the contact portion 54a with
respect to the pitch P (1.56 mm) of the contact portion 54a. For
example, if the width W1 of the contact portion 54a is 0.52 mm
(FIG. 18(d)), the contact ratio S is 100.times.0.52 mm/1.56 mm=33%.
In FIGS. 19 and 20, marks a, b, and c indicate data respectively
when the winding angle of the shape memory alloy member 2 around
the bending member 54 is 450 degrees, 360 degrees and 180
degrees.
[0123] According to FIGS. 19 and 20 (Tables 1 and 2), the
displacement ratio H of the movable body 3 becomes close to 100%
(i.e., the amount of displacement when the shape memory alloy
member 2 is linearly disposed), as the width W1 of the contact
portion 54a becomes small. Moreover, as the width W1 of the contact
portion 54a becomes small, the difference in amount of displacement
caused by the difference in winding angle or material of the
bending members 54 (ABS or POM) becomes small. In particular, when
the width W1 of the contact portion 54a is 1/3 of the pitch P (the
contact ratio S is about 35%), the displacement ratio H further
becomes closer to 100%, and the difference in amount of
displacement caused by the difference in winding angle or material
of the bending members (ABS or POM) almost disappears. In the above
described FIGS. 6 through 8, the amount of displacement of the
movable body 3 largely changes according to the difference in
material of the winding member 106 or winding angle of the shape
memory alloy member 2. Conversely, in this embodiment, it is
possible to suppress the deviation of the amount of displacement
caused by the difference in winding angle of the shape memory alloy
member 2 or material of the bending members 54. Therefore, the
space efficiency can be enhanced, the configuration of the driving
device can be simplified, and the operation efficiency of the
manufacturing process can be enhanced.
[0124] In this embodiment, although the contact portions 54a are
formed along the approximately circular circumference of the
contact member 54 as shown in FIG. 21(a), the contact portions 54a
are not limited to this configuration. For example, the contact
portions 54a can be formed along a closed path (the circumference
of the closed figure), such as a circumference of a approximately
rounded triangle or oval, as shown in FIGS. 21(b) and (c).
Embodiment 7.
[0125] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a driving device 61 according
to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. This driving device 61 is
different from the driving device 1 (FIG. 1) in that a shape memory
alloy member 62 is made in the form of a coil spring. In the
driving device 61, parts in common with the driving device 1 of
Embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 22, the shape memory alloy member 62 is
made in the form of a coil spring, and is wound around a pin-shaped
bending member 63 planted on a placing surface 6a of a base 6 so
that the winding angle is 180 degrees. An end of the shape memory
alloy member 62 is fixed to wall portion 6b, and the other end is
fixed to the movable body 3.
[0127] The pin-shaped bending member 63 constitutes a bending means
which bends the shape memory alloy member 62. A portion of the
circumferential surface of the bending member 63 contacting the
shape-memory alloy member 62 constitutes a contact portion of the
bending means contacting the shape memory alloy member 62. The base
6 constitutes a holding means which holds the bending member
63.
[0128] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing a predetermined direct current (for
example, 100 mA) to flow through the shape memory alloy member 62
by means of the energizing circuit 7 so that the shape memory alloy
member 62 is heated and contracted. Since the shape memory alloy
member 62 takes the form of a coil spring, the amount of expansion
and contraction of the shape memory alloy member 62 becomes large,
with the result that the amount of displacement of the movable body
3 can be largely increased.
[0129] In this embodiment, although the bending member 63 is
pin-shaped, the bending member 63 is not limited to the pin shape,
but it is possible to chose the shape of the bending member 63
suitable for the shape memory alloy member 62 (in the form of the
coil-spring) in terms of designing.
[0130] As described above, according to the driving device 61 of
this embodiment, since the shape memory alloy member 62 is made in
the form of the coil spring, the amount of expansion and
contraction of the shape memory alloy member 62 becomes larger, and
therefore the amount of displacement of the movable body 3 can be
largely increased. Therefore, the space efficiency can be further
enhanced, and the downsizing of the driving device 61 can be
accomplished.
Embodiment 8.
[0131] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a driving device 71
according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. This driving
device 71 is different from the driving device 1 of Embodiment 1
(FIGS. 1 and 2) in that a shape memory alloy member 72 in the form
of a band is used. In the driving device 71, parts in common with
the driving device 1 of Embodiment 1 are assigned the same
reference numerals.
[0132] In the driving device 71, the shape memory alloy member 72
is not in the form of a wire but in the form of a band. The shape
memory alloy member 72 is wound around a pin-shaped bending member
5 planted on a base 6 so that the winding angle is 180 degrees. An
end of the shape memory alloy member 72 is fixed to a wall portion
6b, and the other end is fixed to a movable body 3.
[0133] The pin-shaped bending member 5 constitutes the bending
means which bends the shape memory alloy member 72. A part of the
circumferential surface of the bending member 5 contacting the
shape memory alloy member 72 constitutes a contact portion of the
bending means contacting the shape memory alloy member 72. The base
6 constitutes a holding means which holds the bending member 5.
[0134] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing a predetermined direct current (for
example, 100 mA) to flow through the shape-memory alloy member 72
by means of the energizing circuit 7 so that the shape memory alloy
member 72 is heated and contracted.
[0135] In this embodiment, although the bending member. 5 is
pin-shaped, the bending member 5 is not limited to the pin shape.
It is possible to chose the shape of the bending member 5 suitable
for the shape memory alloy member 72 (in the form of the band) in
terms of designing.
[0136] As described above, according to the driving device 71 of
this embodiment, in addition to the advantage of Embodiment 1 that
enhances the space efficiency, it becomes possible to generate a
large force because the shape memory alloy 72 is in the form of a
band. Therefore, it becomes possible to move the movable body 3
with a large force.
Embodiment 9.
[0137] FIGS. 24(a) and (b) are a front view and a side view showing
a driving device 81 according to Embodiment 9 of the present
invention. As shown in FIGS. 24(a) and (b), a base 83 has a pair of
fixing walls 83a and 83b opposing to each other. Both ends of the
shape memory alloy member 2 are fixed to one fixing wall 83a. The
center part of the shape memory alloy member 2 is wound around a
bending member 84 in a plurality of turns (2.5 turns) so that the
winding angle is about 900 degrees. The bending member 84 is
approximately in the form of a cylinder. This bending member 84 is
composed by adding a rotation axis 84a to the above described
bending member 54 (FIG. 14) having a plurality of contact portions
54a. Both ends of the rotation axis 84a are rotatably supported by
a holding frame 85. A resilient member 4 is stretched between the
center of a connecting portion 85a of the holding frame 85 and the
fixing wall 83b of the base 83, so that the shape memory alloy
member 2 is kept in a state where the shape memory alloy member 2
is not slackened. By the above described configuration, the shape
memory alloy member 2 is not slackened, and the position of the
bending member 84 is stably determined.
[0138] The bending member 84 constitutes a bending means which
bends the shape memory. alloy member 2. A part of the
circumferential surface of the bending member 84 contacting the
shape memory alloy member 2 constitutes a contact portion of the
bending means that contacts the shape memory alloy member 2. The
base 83 constitutes a holding means which holds the bending member
84.
[0139] In the above described configuration, when the energizing
circuit 7 causes a current to flow through the shape memory alloy
member 2, the shape memory alloy member 2 is heated and contracted,
so that the bending member 84 (and the holding frame 85) is
displaced in the direction of an arrow C resisting the force of the
resilient member 4. When the energization of the shape memory alloy
member 2 is stopped, the shape memory alloy member 2 is expanded to
its original length, and the bending member 84(and the holding
frame 85) is displaced in the direction of an arrow D due to the
force of the resilient member 4. Here, although the direction of
the movement of a movable body (the bending member 83 and the
holding frame 85) shown by arrows C and D is aligned with the
direction of the gravity, the direction is not necessarily aligned
with the direction of the gravity, as long as the movable body 3 is
able to smoothly move in the direction indicated by the arrows C
and D. Further, in this embodiment, the bending member 84 uses an
approximately cylindrical member having contact portions 54a on a
circumferential surface thereof. However, as was described with
reference to FIG. 21 (Embodiment 6), it is possible to freely
design the shape of the bending member 84 such as oval shape,
rounded triangle or the like, according to the conditions of the
driving device 81.
[0140] As described above, according to the driving device 81 of
this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the
amount of displacement of the movable body (bending member 84 and
holding frame 85). Further, by using the shape memory alloy member
2 whose entire length is long, it is possible to obtain a large
driving force and to accomplish the downsizing of the driving
device 81.
Embodiment 10.
[0141] FIGS. 25(a) and (b) are perspective views showing a driving
device 91 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention, as
seen from different directions. This driving device 91 is different
from the driving device 41 of the Embodiment 5 in that a pin 93 is
further provided on a housing 44 for further bending a shape memory
alloy member 92, in addition to the projections 44a and 44b. In the
driving device 91, parts in common with the driving device 41 of
Embodiment 5 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0142] As shown in FIG. 25(a), the housing 44 is provided on, for
example, a placing surface 43a of a base 43. The projections 44a
and 44b described in Embodiment 5 are formed on the corners of this
housing 44. In addition, the pin 93 (protrusion) is planted on the
side surface of the housing 44 as shown in FIG. 25(b).
[0143] An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 92 is
fixed to a wall portion 43b of the base 43. The shape memory alloy
member 92 is wound around the projections 44a and 44b so that each
winding angle is 90 degrees, then bent by the pin 93 at 180
degrees, and again wound around the projections 44a and 44b so that
each winding angle is 90 degrees. The other end (movable end) of
the shape memory alloy 92 is fixed to the movable body 3.
[0144] The housing 44 with the projections 44a and 44b constitutes
a bending means which bends the shape memory alloy member 92.
Portions of the circumferential surfaces of the projections 44a and
44b contacting the shape memory alloy member 92 constitutes a
contact portion of the bending means that contacts the shape memory
alloy member 92. The base 43 constitutes a holding means which
holds the housing 44 with the projections 44a and 44b.
[0145] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing a current to flow through the shape memory
alloy member 92 by means of the energizing circuit 7 so that the
shape memory alloy member 92 is heated and contracted.
[0146] The driving device 91 according to this embodiment has the
pin 93 and the protruding portions 44a and 44b, so that the shape
memory alloy member 92 is wound around a pair of projections 44a
and 44b and the pin 93 in five turns (90 degrees and 180 degrees).
Therefore, the shape memory alloy member 92 whose entire length is
long can be disposed in a small space. Additionally, since a part
of the housing 44 constituting the driving device 91 can be
utilized, the downsizing of the driving device can be accomplished,
while the decrease in the amount of displacement of the movable
body 3 can be suppressed and the space efficiency can be
enhanced.
Embodiment 11.
[0147] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a driving device 151
according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. This driving
device 151 is different from the driving device 41 (FIGS. 12 and
13) of Embodiment 5 in that minute convex portions 153 are formed
on the circumferential surfaces of projections 152a and 152b of a
housing 152. In the driving device 151, parts in common with the
driving device 41 of Embodiment 5 are assigned the same reference
numerals.
[0148] In the driving device 41, the housing 152 is provided on,
for example, a placing surface 43a of a base 43. The projections
152a and 152b are formed on corners of the housing 152 and project
in directions perpendicular to each other. Minute convex portions
153 are formed on the circumferences of the projections 152a and
152b, and elongated in the vertical direction. An end (movable end)
of the shape memory alloy member 42 is fixed to the wall portion
43b of the base 43, and the shape-memory alloy member 42 is wound
around the projections 152b and 152a (in contact with the convex
portions 153) so that each winding angle is 90 degrees. The other
end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 42 is fixed to a
movable body 3.
[0149] The housing 152 with the projections 152a and 152b
constitutes a bending means which bends the shape memory alloy
member 42. Convex portions 153 of the projections 152a and 152b
constitute a contact portion of the bending means that contacts the
shape memory alloy member 42. The base 43 constitutes a holding
means which holds the housing 152.
[0150] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing the direct current to flow through the
shape memory alloy member 42 by means of the energizing circuit 7
so that the shape memory alloy member 42 is heated and
contracted.
[0151] When the shape memory alloy member 42 is to be bent, it is
necessary to prevent the stress concentration caused by the rapid
change of the stress, and to prevent a bent habit to thereby
enhance a reliability. For this purpose, the diameters of the
projections 152a and 152b (in the case where the projections 152a
and 152b have circular-arc cross sections) are preferably from 20
to 40 times the diameter of the shape memory alloy member 42.
However, in such a case, a contact length with which the shape
memory alloy member 42 contacts the projections 152a and 152b
increases, and therefore there is a possibility that the amount of
displacement may decrease compared with the case in which the shape
memory alloy member 42 is linearly disposed.
[0152] However, in this embodiment, the convex portions 153 are
formed on the projections 152a and 152b in the direction
perpendicular to the winding direction of the shape memory alloy
member 42, so that the contact length between the shape memory
alloy member 42 and the projections 152a and 152b (the convex
portions 153) is short. Therefore, even when the diameters of the
projections 152a and 152b are set to be large, it is possible to
prevent the decrease in the amount of displacement of the shape
memory alloy member 42.
[0153] FIG. 27 is a plan view showing an experimental method for
verifying the effect by the provision of the convex portions 153.
As shown in FIG. 27, in this experiment, the shape memory alloy
member 2 with the crimp contacts 120 fixed to both ends thereof is
wound around a bending member 155a at 360 degrees. The crimp
contact 120 at an end (movable end) is fixed to a resilient member
4, and the crimp contact 120 at the other end (fixed end) is fixed
to the fixing pin 121 (FIG. 7(a)). The other end of the resilient
member 4 is fixed to another fixing pin 121 (FIG. 7(a)). The
energizing circuit 105(FIG. 7(a)) causes a current to flow between
two fixing pins 121. The shape memory alloy member 2 has a length
of 50 mm, and a diameter of 60 .mu.m. The length C of the shape
memory alloy member 2 from the bending member 155a to the fixing
pin 121 on the fixed end is set to be about 8 mm. Moreover, the
tension of about 392.times.10.sup.-3 N is applied to the shape
memory alloy member 2 on a normal condition (when the shape memory
alloy member 2 is not energized) . Under such a condition, when the
direct current of 140 mA flows through the shape memory alloy
member 2, the amount of displacement (for example, the amount of
displacement of the crimp contact 120 connected to the resilient
member 4) of the movable end of the shape memory alloy member 2 is
measured.
[0154] The bending member 155a is a rectangular column having a
square cross section with projections 156 formed on the four
corners, and each projection 156 has a circular-arc cross section.
The projections 156 correspond to the projections 152a and 152b of
the driving device 151 (FIG. 26) of Embodiment 11. By measuring the
amount of displacement when the shapes of the projections 156 is
varied, it is possible to determine the tendency of the change in
the amount of displacement when the respective shapes are adopted
to the projections 152a and 152b (FIG. 26).
[0155] FIGS. 28(a) and (d) show plan views showing the respective
shapes of the bending members 155a through 155d used in this
experiment. The bending member 155a through 155d are made of
POM.
[0156] The bending member 155a shown in FIG. 28(a) is a rectangular
column having an approximately square cross section, and the
projections 156 (having a radius R of 3.3 mm) are formed on four
corners of the rectangular column. Concaves having a depth t of 0.2
mm are formed between the projections 156. The ratio of the length
of four projections 156 contacting the shape memory alloy member 2
with respect to the entire circumferential length of the bending
member 155a, i.e., the contact ratio is 66%. Each projection 156 is
in the form of sector whose central angle .theta. is 90 degrees. In
the experiment using this bending member 155 a, the amount of
displacement of the movable end of the shape memory alloy member 2
is 1.16 mm, and the ratio (i.e., the displacement ratio) thereof to
the amount of displacement on the same condition in the case where
the shape memory alloy member 2 is linearly disposed (2.1 mm) is
55.2%.
[0157] The bending member 155b shown in FIG. 28(b) is a rectangular
column with an approximately square cross section, and the
projections 156 (having a radius R of 1.6 mm) are formed on four
corners of the rectangular column. Concaves having a depth t of 0.2
mm are formed between the projections 156. The ratio of the length
of four projections 156 contacting the shape memory alloy member 2
with respect to the entire circumferential length of the bending
member 155b (the contact ratio) is 33%. In the experiment using
this bending member 155b, the amount of displacement of the movable
end of the shape memory alloy member 2 is 1.48 mm, and the
displacement ratio thereof to the amount of displacement in the
case where. the shape memory alloy member 2 is linearly disposed
(2.1 mm) is 70.5%.
[0158] The bending member 155c shown in FIG. 28(c) is made by
forming two concaves having a depth t of 0.2 mm (so as to form
three convex portions 156a) on each projection 156 of the bending
member 155a shown in FIG. 28(a) . The ratio of the length of the
convex portions 156a of four projections 156 contacting the shape
memory alloy member 2 with respect to the entire circumferential
length of the bending member 155c (the contact ratio) is 33%. In
the experiment using this bending member 155c, the amount of
displacement of the movable end of the shape memory alloy member 2
is 1.38 mm, and the displacement ratio thereof to the amount of
displacement in the case where the shape memory alloy member 2 is
linearly disposed (2.1 mm) is 65.7%.
[0159] The bending member 155d shown in FIG. 28(d) is made by
forming four concaves having a depth t of 0.2 mm (so as to form
five convex portions 156b) on each projection 156 of the bending
member 155a shown in FIG. 28(a). The ratio of the length of the
convex portions 156b of four projections 156 contacting the shape
memory alloy member 2 with respect to the entire circumferential
length of the bending member 155c (the contact ratio) is 33%. In
the experiment using this bending member 155d, the amount of
displacement of the movable end of the shape memory alloy member 2
is 1.42 mm, and the displacement ratio thereof to the amount of
displacement in the case where the shape memory alloy member 2 is
linearly disposed (2.1 mm) is 67.6%.
[0160] The result of the above described experiment is shown in
Table 3 and FIG. 29. In FIG. 29, the vertical axis indicates the
displacement ratio H (%). Marks a, b, c, and d of a horizontal axis
respectively indicate the experiment results when the bending
members 155a, 155b, 155c, and 155d (FIG. 28(a) through (d)) are
used. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 CONTACT RATIO 66 33 33 33 (%) (3
CONVEX (5 CONVEX PORTIONS) PORTIONS) DISPLACEMENT 55.2 70.5 65.7
67.6 RATIO (%)
[0161] As seen from the experimental result shown in Table 3 and
FIG. 29, it is understood that the amount of displacement of the
movable body (the movable end of the shape memory alloy member 2)
increases, as the contact. ratio of the shape memory alloy member
decreases. Therefore, in driving device 151 (FIG. 26), it is
understood that the amount of displacement of the movable body 3
can be increased by forming the convex portions 153 on the
projections 152a and 152b so as to reduce the ratio of the contact
portion contacting the shape memory alloy member 42 to the entire
circumferential length.
[0162] As described above, according to the driving device 151 of
this embodiment, since the minute convex portions 153 are formed on
the projections 152a and 152b contacting the shape memory alloy
member 42, the amount of displacement of the movable end of the
shape memory alloy member 42 can be increased, and the stress
concentration on the shape memory alloy member 42 can be prevented,
so that the bent habit can be prevented.
Embodiment 12.
[0163] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the driving device 161
according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention. The driving
device 161 is different from the driving device 51 (FIG. 14)
according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention in that a
bending member 162 having projections 162b is in the form of a
multangular column. In the driving device 161, parts in common with
the driving device 51 of Embodiment 6 are assigned the same
reference numerals.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 30, the bending member 2 is planted on a
placing surface 13a of a base 13, and has a plurality of
projections 162b (contact portion) on the circumferential surface
thereof. An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 2 is
fixed to a wall portion 13c, and the shape memory alloy member 2 is
wound around the circumferential surface of the bending portion 162
so that the total of bending angles at the respective projections
162b is 360 degrees. The other end (movable end) of the shape
memory alloy member 2 is fixed to a movable body 3.
[0165] The bending member 162 constitutes a bending means which
bends the shape memory alloy member 2. Portions of the
circumferential surface of the bending member 162 contacting the
shape memory alloy member 2 constitutes a contact portion of the
bending means contacting the shape memory alloy member 2. The base
13 constitutes a holding means which holds the bending member
162.
[0166] In the above described configuration, the movable body 3 can
be displaced by causing a current to flow through the shape memory
alloy member 2 by means of the energizing circuit 7 so that the
shape memory alloy member 2 is heated and contracted.
[0167] In the above described Embodiment 6 (FIGS. 14 through 20),
it has been described that the decrease in the amount of
displacement of the shape memory alloy member 2 can be suppressed
by reducing the contact ratio of the shape memory alloy member 2
contacting the bending member 54. However, if the bending member 54
is made of resin, as a contact width of the projection 54a (a
length with which the projection 54a contacts the shape memory
alloy member 2) decreases, there is a possibility that the bending
member 54 may be molten by the heat of the shape memory alloy
member 2. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the contact width
of each projection 54a and to reduce the contact ratio, if a resin
or other material which does not have high heat resistance property
is used as the bending member 54. In this respect, the experiment
using the bending members of various sectional shapes will be
described.
[0168] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a main part of an
experimental arrangement. As shown in FIG. 31, in this experiment,
a crimp contact 120 is fixed to an end (fixed end) of the shape
memory alloy member 2, and the crimp contact 120 is also fixed to a
fixing pin 121. Another crimp contact 120 is fixed to another end
(movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 2, and the crimp
contact 120 is fixed to another fixing pin 121 via a resilient
member 4. The shape memory alloy member 2 has a length of 50 mm and
a diameter of 60 .mu.m. The tension applied to the shape memory
alloy member 2 is about 392.times.10.sup.-3 N when the shape memory
alloy member 2 is not energized.
[0169] When a direct current of 140 mA flows through the shape
memory alloy member 2, the amount of displacement of the movable
end (for example, the amount of displacement of the crimp contact
120 fixed to the resilient member 4) of the shape memory alloy
member 2 is measured.
[0170] FIG. 32(a) through (d) are plan views for illustrating the
experiments using four kinds of bending members 162 through 165. In
the experiment shown in FIG. 32(a), the bending member 162 in the
form of a column having an approximately triangular cross section
is used. In the experiment shown in FIG. 32(b), the bending member
163 in the form of a column having an approximately rectangle cross
section is used. In the experiment shown in FIG. 32(c), the bending
member 164 in the form of a column having an approximately
hexagonal cross section is used. In the experiment shown in FIG.
32(d), the bending member 165 in the form of a cylinder having an
approximately circular cross section is used. The bending members
162 through 165 are made of POM. In each case, the distance C from
the bending portion 162 through 165 to the fixed end of the shape
memory alloy member 2 is 8 mm.
[0171] FIGS. 33 through 36 are plan views showing the concrete
sectional shapes of the bending members 162 through 165.
[0172] The bending member 162 shown in FIG. 33(a) is a triangular
column with projections 162a having a radius R of 0.5 mm formed on
the respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 10%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 162a is 9.4 mm. The
bending member 162 shown in FIG. 33(b) is a triangular column with
projections 162b having a radius R of 1.6 mm formed on the
respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 33%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 162b is 9.4 mm. The
bending member 162 shown in FIG. 33(c) is a triangular column with
projections 162c having a radius R of 2.5 mm formed on the
respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 50%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 162c is 5.2 mm. The
bending member 162 shown in FIG. 33(d) is a triangular column with
projections 162d having a radius R of 3.3 mm formed on the
respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 66%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 162d is 3.6 mm. The
above described FIGS. 29 and 30 show the cases in which the bending
members shown in FIGS. 33(a) through (d) are used.
[0173] Similarly, the bending member 163 shown in FIG. 34(a) is a
rectangular column with projections 163a having a radius R of 0.5
mm formed on the respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio
is 10%. The interval S between the adjacent projections 163a is 7.1
mm. The bending member 163 shown in FIG. 34(b) is a rectangular
column with projections 163b having a radius R of 1.6 mm formed on
the respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 33%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 163b is 5.3 mm. The
bending member 163 shown in FIG. 34(c) is a rectangular column with
projections 163c ehaving a radius R of 2.5 mm formed on the
respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 50%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 163c is 3.9 mm. The
bending member 163 shown in FIG. 34(d) is a rectangular column with
projections 163d having a radius R of 3.3 mm formed on the
respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 66%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 163d is 2.7 mm.
[0174] Similarly, the bending member 164 shown in FIG. 35(a) is a
hexagonal column with projections 164a having a radius R of 0.5 mm
formed on the respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is
10%. The interval S between the adjacent projections 164a is 4.7
mm. The bending member 164 shown in FIG. 35(b) is a hexagonal
column with projections 164b having a radius R of 1.6 mm formed on
the respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 33%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 164b is 3.6 mm. The
bending member 164 shown in FIG. 35(c) is a hexagonal column with
projections 164c having a radius R of 2.6 mm formed on the
respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 50%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 164c is 2.6 mm. The
bending member 164 shown in FIG. 35(d) is a hexagonal column with
projections 164d having a radius R of 3.3 mm formed on the
respective corners thereof, and the contact ratio is 66%. The
interval S between the adjacent projections 164d is 1.8 mm.
[0175] The bending member 165 shown in FIG. 36(a) is a cylinder
having a diameter D of 10 mm, and the contact ratio is 100%. The
bending member 165 shown in FIG. 35(b) is a cylinder having a
diameter D of 10 mm on which 20 projections 165b having a width W1
of 0.52 mm are formed at a pitch of 1.56 mm, and the contact ratio
is 33%. The width W2 of the groove between the adjacent projections
165b is 1.05 mm. The bending member 165 shown in FIG. 35(c) is a
cylinder having a diameter D of 10 mm on which 20 projections 165c
having a width W1 of 0.78 mm are formed at a pitch of 1.56 mm, and
the contact ratio is 50%. The width W2 of the groove between the
adjacent projections 165c is 0.78 mm. The bending member 165 shown
in FIG. 35(d) is a cylinder having a diameter D of 10 mm on which
20 projections 165d having a width W1 of 1.05 mm are formed at a
pitch of 1.56 mm, and the contact ratio is 66%. The width W2 of the
groove between the adjacent projections 165d is 0.52 mm.
[0176] Using these bending members 162 through 165, the
displacement of the movable end of the shape memory alloy member 2
is measured as shown in FIGS. 32(a) through (d). The result is
shown in Table 4 and FIG. 37. In FIG. 37, the vertical axis
indicates the displacement ratio H, and the horizontal axis
indicates the contact ratio S (%). Moreover, in FIG. 37, marks a,
b, c and d respectively indicate the results of the experiments
shown in FIGS. 32(a), (b), (c) and (d). TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4
DISPLACEMENT RATIO (%) CONTACT TRI- REC- HEX- RATIO ANGULAR
TANGULAR AGONAL (%) COLUMN COLUMN COLUMN CYLINDER 10 84.2 85.7 80.5
-- 33 72.1 70.5 68.1 73.7 50 61.9 60.7 60.9 58.6 67 52.2 55.2 51 48
100 -- -- -- 37.6
[0177] Based on Table 4 and FIG. 37, it is understood that the
amount of displacement of the shape memory alloy member 2 does not
depend on the shape of the bending members 162 through
165(triangular column, rectangular column or the like), but depends
on the contact ratio S. Further, it is understood that the amount
of displacement becomes larger, as the contact ratio S becomes
smaller. Therefore, it is understood that it is preferable to chose
the bending member 162 (FIG. 33) having a triangular cross section
with small number of sides, in order to increase the amount of
displacement of the shape memory alloy member 2 and to increase the
width of the contact portion (for preventing the melting due to the
heat of the shape memory alloy member 2).
[0178] As described above, according to the driving device 161
(FIG. 30) of this embodiment, since the bending member is
approximately in the form of a multangular column, it is possible
to suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement of the
movable body 3 and to chose the width of the contact portion so as
to prevent the melting. Thus, the melting of the projection of the
bending member can be prevented, while the decrease in the amount
of displacement of the movable body 3 can be suppressed and the
space efficiency can be enhanced. That is, the downsizing of the
driving device can be accomplished.
Embodiment 13.
[0179] FIG. 38 and 39 are views for illustrating a fixing method (a
crimping method) of a shape memory alloy member 202 and a crimp
contact 208. The crimp contact 208 is used for fixing an end of the
shape memory alloy member 202 to a resilient member (for example,
the resilient member 4 shown in FIG. 1), a fixing pin or the
like.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 38(a), the crimp contact 208 is composed of
a plate-like member made of metal. The crimp contact 208 has a base
portion 208bapproximately in the form of oblong, a ring portion
208c formed on an end in the longitudinal direction of the base
portion 208b, and crimp portions 208a formed on both sides in the
width direction of the base portion 208b. An end of the shape
memory alloy member 202 is placed on almost the center of the base
portion 208b of the crimp contact 208, and then the crimp portions
208a are bent as shown in FIG. 38(b), so that the shape memory
alloy member 202 and the crimp contact 208 are fixed (crimped) to
each other. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 38(c), it is also possible
to wind the shape memory alloy member 202 around one of the crimp
portions 208a, and then bend the crimp portion 208a as shown in
FIG. 38(d).
[0181] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, the energizing
circuit 207 causes a current to flow between the crimp contact 208
and the shape memory alloy member 202. The energizing circuit 207
is connected to an arbitrary position on the crimp contact 208
(including a part 202b of the shape memory alloy member 202 fixed
to the crimp contact 208) and to a position 202a on the shape
memory alloy member 202 close to the crimp contact 208. The
energizing circuit 207 causes the current (excess current) to flow
through the shape memory alloy member 202, and the current is
sufficient for heating the shape memory alloy member 202 to a
temperature at which the shape memory alloy member 202 loses the
memory of the shape. Therefore, on the crimp contact 208 side of
the shape memory alloy member 202 with respect to the above
described position 202a, the memory of the shape is lost.
[0182] The effect of this embodiment is as follows. If the shape
memory alloy member 202 is simply fixed to the crimp contact 208,
the reliability of the fixed part of the shape memory alloy member
202 and the crimp portion 208a may decreases when the shape memory
alloy member 202 is repeatedly expanded and contracted due to the
heating and cooling caused by the energizing (or the change in an
environmental temperature). In such a case, there is a possibility
that the shape memory alloy member 202 may be dropped out of the
crimp portion 208a or may be cut. In this embodiment, the part 202b
of the shape memory alloy member 202 fixed to the crimp contact 208
loses its memory of shape so that the part 202b is not expanded or
contracted, utilizing the characteristics that the shape memory
alloy member 202 loses its memory of shape when the shape memory
alloy member 202 is heated to a predetermined temperature or
higher. As a result, it is possible to enhance the reliability of
the connection of the shape memory alloy member 202 and the crimp
portion 208a, and to prevent that the shape memory alloy member 202
from being dropped out of the crimp contact 208 or being cut.
Embodiment 14.
[0183] FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a driving device 211
according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention. The driving
device 211 shown in FIG. 40 has pin-shaped bending members 215a,
215b, 215c and 215d planted on a base 216 so that the bending
members 215a, 215b, 215c and 215d are disposed on four apexes of
quadrangle. On the base 216, fixing pins 219a and 219b are planted
in this order from the side closer to the bending member 215a. A
shape memory alloy member 212 in the form of a wire is wound around
the bending members 215a, 215b, 215c and 215d. A crimp contact 218a
is fixed to an end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member
212, and the crimp contact 218a is fixed to the fixing pin 219a. A
crimp contact 218b is fixed to the other end (free end) of the
shape memory alloy member 212, and the crimp contact 218b is fixed
to an end of a resilient member 214. The other end of the resilient
member 214 is fixed to the fixing pin 219b. Among the bending
members 215a through 215d, the energizing circuit 217 is connected
to the bending member 215a which is the closest from the fixed end
(the crimp contact 218a) of the shape memory alloy member 212 and
to the bending member 215d which is the closest from the movable
end (the crimp contact 218b). Other configuration is the same as
Embodiment 1.
[0184] Here, the bending members 215a through 215d constitute a
bending means which bends the shape memory alloy member 212.
Portions of the circumferential surfaces of the bending members
215a through 215d contacting the shape memory alloy member 212
constitute a contact portion of the bending means contacting the
shape memory alloy member 212. The base 216 constitutes a holding
means which holds the bending members 215a through 215d.
[0185] In the above described configuration, the movable body (the
crimp contact 218b) can be displaced by causing the current to flow
through the shape memory alloy member 212 via the bending members
215a and 215b by means of the energizing circuit 217, so that the
shape memory alloy member 212 is heated and contracted. The current
flows through a part of the shape memory alloy member 212 between
the bending member 215a and the bending member 215d, and does not
flow through the crimp contacts 218a and 218b at both ends of the
shape memory alloy member 212. Therefore, parts of the shape memory
alloy member 212 fixed to crimp portions 218c of the crimp contacts
218a and 218b are not expanded or contracted. As a result, the
connection between the crimp contacts 218a and 218b and the shape
memory alloy member 212 is enhanced.
[0186] In order to verify the effect of this embodiment, a
comparative example shown in FIG. 41(a) will be described. In a
driving device 211a, a shape memory alloy member 212 is linearly
disposed, and crimp contacts 218a and 218b are fixed to both ends
of the shape memory alloy member 212. One crimp contact 218a is
fixed to a fixing pin 219a planted on a base 126, the other crimp
contact 218b is fixed to an end of a resilient member 214. The
other end of the resilient member 214 is fixed to a fixing pin 219b
planted on the base 216. A wiring portion 217a (for example, a
cable) of the energizing circuit 217 is connected to a fixed end
(the crimp contact 218a) and a movable end (the crimp contact 218b)
of the shape memory alloy member 212. The movable body (the crimp
contact 218b) is displaced by causing the current to flow through
the shape memory alloy member 212 by means of the energizing
circuit 217.
[0187] However, in such a driving device 211a, the crimp contact
218b to which the wiring portion 217a of the energizing circuit 217
is connected moves, and therefore it is necessary to provide a
space or the like so as to prevent an unnecessary external force
from being exerted on the movable body (the crimp contact 218b).
Further, there is a possibility that the reliability of the
electrical connection (by soldering) between the wiring portion
217a and the crimp contact 218b may decrease.
[0188] Further, in a driving device 211b shown in FIG. 41(b), the
shape memory alloy member 212 is bent in V-shape. Crimp contacts
218 are fixed to both ends of the shape memory alloy member 212,
and the crimp contacts 218 are fixed to two fixing pins 219a
planted on the base 216. A movable body 213 is fixed to a bent
portion of V-shape of the shape memory alloy member 212. The
movable body 213 is fixed to an end of a resilient member 214, and
the other end of the resilient member 214 is fixed to another
fixing pin 219b planted on the base 216. An energizing circuit 217
is connected to two fixing pin 219a, and supplies a current to the
shape memory alloy member 212 via the fixing pins 219a and the
crimp contacts 218.
[0189] However, in such a driving device 211b, the current flows
through the crimp contacts 218, and therefore portions of the shape
memory alloy member 212 fixed to the crimp contacts 218 are
repeatedly expanded and contracted, with the result that the
reliability of the connecting portion may decrease. Therefore, the
problems such as the dropping of the shape memory alloy member 212
out of the crimp contacts 218 and the cutting of the shape memory
alloy member 212 may easily occur.
[0190] In contrast, in the driving device 211 of this embodiment,
the wiring portions of the energizing circuit 217 can be connected
to the bending members 215a and 215d, and therefore it is possible
to prevent the movable body (the crimp contact 218b) from being
influenced by the wiring portions. Therefore, it is not necessary
to provide a space or the like around the wiring portions. Thus, it
becomes possible to simplify the configuration of the driving
device 211, and to accomplish the downsizing of the driving device
211. Further, since the current does not flow through the crimp
contacts 218a and 218b, the portions of the shape memory alloy
member 212 fixed to the crimp contacts 218a and 218b is not
expanded or contracted. Therefore, the reliability of the
connection between the crimp contacts 218a and 218b and the shape
memory alloy member 212 is enhanced.
Embodiment 15.
[0191] FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a
driving device 221a according to Embodiment 15 of the present
invention. In the above described Embodiment 14 (FIG. 40), the
current is supplied through the bending members 215d and 215a
respectively closest from the movable end and the fixed end of the
shape memory alloy member 212. In this embodiment, an electric
potential V1 is applied to a bending member 225a closest to the
fixed end (the crimp contact 228a) of the shape memory alloy member
222, and its adjacent bending member 225b is grounded. Further, an
electric potential V2 is applied to a further adjacent bending
member 225c, and the bending member 225d closest to the movable end
(the crimp contact 228b) of the shape memory alloy member 222 is
grounded. The electric potential V1 is applied to a pin 229a to
which the crimp contact 228a is fixed, so that a current does not
flow through the crimp contact 228a. Other configuration is the
same as Embodiment 14.
[0192] The bending members 225a through 225d constitute a bending
means which bends the shape memory alloy member 222. Portions of
the circumferential surfaces of the bending members 225a through
225d contacting the shape memory alloy member 222 constitute a
contact portion of the bending means contacting the shape memory
alloy member 222.
[0193] In the above described configuration, the current flows
through a section of the shape memory alloy member 222 from the
bending member 225c to the bending member 225b, a section from the
bending member 225c to the bending member 225d, and a section from
the bending member 225a to the bending member 225b. As a result,
each section of the shape memory alloy member 222 is heated and
contracted, so that the movable body (the crimp contact 228b) is
displaced.
[0194] That is, the current does not flow uniformly throughout the
shape memory alloy member 222, but flows respective sections
independently. The resistance to the current flowing through the
respective sections of the shape memory alloy member 222 is smaller
than the case where the current flows uniformly. Therefore, even in
the case of obtaining the same current to that of Embodiment 14,
the required voltage can be reduced.
[0195] Further, it becomes possible to select a portion through
which the current flows. For example, by setting the voltage
applied to the bending member 225a to 0, the current flows through
two sides of the shape memory alloy member 222 (between the bending
members 225b and 225c and between the bending members 225c and
225d). With such an arrangement, only a portion of the shape memory
alloy member 202 through which the current flows is expanded and
contracted, and therefore it becomes to chose the amount of the
displacement of the movable body (the crimp contact 228b).
[0196] In a configuration in which the amount of displacement is
varied by causing the current flows partially in the longitudinal
direction of the shape memory alloy member, the method of
electrical supply by supplying electricity via the contact between
the shape memory alloy member and the electric supply member such
as pins (here, the bending members 225a through 225b) is effective.
There is another considerable method in which lead wires are
attached to the shape memory alloy member. However, in such a case,
it is necessary to attach a multiple lead wires in order to
increase the variation of the amount of displacement. Thus, in
order to prevent the shape memory alloy member from being
influenced by the external force, it is necessary to provide a
large space for disposing the lead wires, and therefore the
downsizing of the driving device becomes difficult. Further, if
crimp contacts are used (in the case where the reliability of the
soldering of the shape memory alloy member is not high), there is a
problem that a large space is needed as the number of the crimp
contacts increases. In contrast, in this embodiment, the method of
supplying electricity via pin-shaped bending members 225a through
225d contacting the shape memory alloy member 222 is employed, it
is not necessary to attach a multiple lead wires. Therefore, it is
possible to enable the selection of the amount of displacement, and
to accomplish the downsizing of the driving device.
[0197] In this embodiment, the shape memory alloy member 222 is
wounded around the pin-shaped bending members 225a through 225d
(electrical supply members) at about 90 degrees for each. However,
the winding angle is not limited to about 90 degrees. Further, the
bending members 225a through 225 are not limited to the pin-shape.
Further, spring contacts or other contacts can be used to connect
the shape memory alloy member 222 and the electrical supply members
for electrical supply. With these arrangement, it is possible to
accomplish the downsizing of the driving device.
[0198] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 43, in the case where the shape
memory alloy member 222 is wound around the bending members 225a
through 225d in a plurality of turns, the current flows the same
sections (between the bending members 225a and 225b) of the shape
memory alloy member 222 in parallel. Therefore, it is possible to
provide the same electrical supply as the case in which the shape
memory alloy member 222 is wound around the bending members 225a
through 225d in one turn (FIG. 42). Further, since the entire
length of the shape memory alloy member 222 can be increased, it is
possible to obtain a sufficient amount of displacement of the
movable body (the crimp contact 228b) even when the deriving device
221b is downsized.
[0199] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the
current flows through the respective sections of the shape memory
alloy member 222, it becomes possible to suppress the voltage to be
low, and to enable the choosing of the amount of displacement of
the movable body. Particularly, in a portable terminal such as a
mobile phone device in which the available voltage is generally
limited to be low, the driving device according to this embodiment
(operable at low voltage and suitable for downsizing) is greatly
valuable.
Embodiment 16.
[0200] FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing a driving device 231a
according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention. In the above
described Embodiment 14, the current flows uniformly throughout the
entire length of the shape memory alloy member 212. In contrast, in
this embodiment, the current varies with sections of the shape
memory alloy member 232. This is based on the consideration that a
friction load applied to the shape memory alloy member 232 due to
the contact with the other components (in addition to the urging
force of the resilient member 234) varies according to the position
in the longitudinal direction of the shape memory alloy member
232.
[0201] An experiment providing the basis of this embodiment will be
described. In the experiment shown in FIG. 45, the shape memory
alloy member 232 in the form of a wire is wound around a
cylindrical bending member 235 having a contact ratio of 33%. An
energizing circuit 237 causes a current to flow only a straight
portion of the shape memory alloy member 232 (a portion not wound
around the bending member 235). The length of the energized portion
of the shape memory alloy member 232 is set to be 50 mm. An end
(fixed end) of the energized portion of the shape memory alloy
member 232 is fixed to the fixing pin 239a. The amount of
displacement of the other end (a movable end 233) of the energized
portion is measured. Instead of a resilient member, a weight 234a
which weighs 30 g is fixed to the movable end of the shape memory
alloy member 232 in order to prevent the change of the load. The
bending member 235 is made of POM, and is an approximately
cylindrical member having a diameter of 10 mm whose contact ratio
is 33% as shown in FIG. 36(b). In order to evaluate the influence
of the friction load by winding the shape memory alloy member 232
around the bending member 235, the experiment is carried out in a
state where the shape memory alloy member 232 is wound around the
bending member 235 in one turn (360 degrees), two turns (720
degrees) and three turns (1080 degrees). As the number of windings
increases, the friction load becomes large. Table 5 and FIG. 46
show the result of the measurement of the amount R of displacement
of the above described movable end 233 when the current value is
varied from 60 mA to 180 mA. In FIG. 46, the vertical axis
indicates the amount R (mm) of displacement of the above described
movable end 233 of the shape memory alloy member 232, and the
horizontal axis indicates a current I (mA) flowing through the
shape memory alloy member 232. Moreover, marks a, b and c
respectively correspond to data when the shape memory alloy member
232 is wound in one turn (360 degrees), two turns (720 degrees),
and three turns (1080 degrees). TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 WINDING
CURRENT VALUE ANGLE (mA) (degree) 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 360
0.097 1.420 1.473 1.637 1.581 1.662 1.662 720 -- 0.294 1.195 1.225
1.265 1.344 1.423 1080 -- 0.468 0.672 0.976 1.118 1.203 1.145
[0202] Based on Table 5 and FIG. 46, in the case (a) where the
shape memory alloy member 232 is wound in one turn, it is
understood that there is an extreme point at about 80 mA of current
I, and the amount R of displacement does not change greatly when
the current exceeds 80 mA. Moreover, in the case (b) where the
shape memory alloy member 232 is wound in two turns, it is
understood that there is an extreme point at about 100 mA of
current I, and the amount R of displacement does not change greatly
when the current exceeds 100 mA. In the case (c) where the shape
memory alloy member 232 is wound in three turns, it is understood
that there is an extreme point at about 160 mA of current, and the
amount R of displacement does not change greatly when the current
exceeds 160 mA. Based on this result, it is understood that it is
possible to suppress the power consumption of the driving device
231, and to obtain the almost maximum amount of displacement, by
choosing the optimum current according to the frictional force.
[0203] Based on this result, the driving device 231a according to
this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 44, in the
driving device 231a according to this embodiment, four bending
members 235a, 235b, 235c and 235d are disposed on a base 236
respectively on positions corresponding to four tops of a
rectangle. Inside the bending members 235a through 235d, four
bending members 235e, 235f, 235g and 235h are disposed. Inside the
bending members 235e through 235h, four bending member 235i, 235j,
235k and 235l are disposed. At a substantial center of the base
236, a thirteenth bending member 235m and a fixing pin 239b are
disposed.
[0204] The shape memory alloy member 232 in the form of a wire is
wound around the total thirteen bending members 235a through 235m
on the base 236. That is, the shape memory alloy member 232 is
wound around the most outside bending members 235a through 235d,
then wound around the inside bending members 235e through 235h,
then wound around further inside bending members 235i through 235l,
and bent at the bending member 235m. A crimp contact 239d is fixed
to an end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 232, and the
crimp contact 239d is fixed to an end of a resilient member 234 in
the vicinity of the outer periphery of the base 236. The other end
the resilient member 234 is fixed to a fixing pin 239a planted on
the base 236.
[0205] The bending member 235a through 235m constitute a bending
means which bends the shape memory alloy member 232. Portions of
the circumferential surfaces of the bending members 235a through
235m contacting the shape memory alloy member 232 constitute a
contact portion of the bending means contacting the shape memory
alloy member 232. The base 236 constitutes a holding means which
holds the bending members 235a through 235m.
[0206] An electric potential Va is applied to the bending member
235a closest to the movable end of the shape memory alloy member
232. The bending member 235e at a position where the shape memory
alloy member 232 is wound in one turn with respect to the bending
member 235a is grounded. In addition, an electric potential Vb is
applied to the bending member 235i at a position where the shape
memory alloy member 232 is wound in two turns with respect to the
bending member 235a. The bending member 235k at the position where
the shape memory alloy member 232 is wound in two turns and half is
grounded. An electric potential Vc is applied to the bending member
235m closest to a fixed end of the shape memory alloy member 232.
As a result, a current Ia flows through the section from the
bending member 235a to the bending member 235e of the shape memory
alloy member 232. A current Ib flows through the section from the
bending member 235i to the bending member 235e. Moreover, a current
Ic flows through the section from the bending member 235i to the
bending member 235k. A current Id flows through the section from
the bending member 235m to the bending member 235k. A conductive
coil spring is used as the resilient member 234 so that the same
voltage (Va) as the bending member 235a is applied to the fixing
pin 239a, in order to prevent the current from flowing through the
crimp contact 239c. Moreover, the same voltage (Vc) as the bending
member 235m is applied to the fixing pin 239b, in order to prevent
the current from flowing through the crimp contact 239d. Since the
current does not flow through the crimp contacts 239c and 239d as
described above, the shape memory alloy member 232 is not expanded
and contracted at crimp portions 239e of the crimp contacts 239c
and 239d, and therefore the reliability of the connection is
enhanced.
[0207] In the shape memory alloy member 232, the friction load when
the current flows becomes smaller, as the portion is closer to the
movable end (the crimp contact 239c). Moreover, as the section
through which the current flows is long, the amount of displacement
caused by the same current is large, and therefore the necessary
current becomes small with regard to the same friction load. In the
section from the bending member 235a to the bending member 235e
(the section where the current Ia flows), the friction load is
larger and the section length is shorter, compared with the section
from the bending member 235e to the bending member 235i (the
section where the current Ib flows), and therefore the current Ib
is set larger than the current Ia. Referring to the experiment
result of FIG. 46, the current Ia is set to, for example, 80 mA,
and the current Ib is set to, for example, 100 mA. Further, in the
section from the bending member 235i to the bending member 235k
(the section where the current Ic flows), the friction load is
larger and the section length is shorter, compared with the section
from the bending member 235e to the bending member 235i (the
section where the current Ib flows), and therefore the current Ic
is set larger than the current Ib. Furthermore, in the section from
the bending member 235m to the bending member 235k (the section
where the current Id flows), the friction load is larger and the
section length is almost the same, compared with the section from
the bending member 235i to the bending member 235k (the section
where the current Ic flows), and therefore the current Id is larger
than or equals to the current Ic. Referring to the experiment
result of FIG. 46, the current Ic and Id are set to, for example,
160 mA.
[0208] As described above, by changing the value of the current
flowing through the shape memory alloy member 232 in consideration
of the friction load according to the winding position of the shape
memory alloy member 232, it is possible to suppress a power
consumption, and to obtain the maximum amount of displacement.
[0209] In the configuration shown in FIG. 44, although the movable
end 239c (and the resilient member 234) is disposed on the
outermost side, the fixed end 239d can be disposed on the outermost
side and the movable end 239c on the innermost side. However, it is
possible to obtain larger displacement at a low power consumption,
when the movable end 239c is disposed on the outermost side. This
is because, when the movable end 239c is disposed on the outermost
side, the length of the outer portion of the shape memory alloy
member 232 becomes longer (and therefore the amount of displacement
becomes larger), and the summation of the load applied by the
resilient member 234 and the friction load applied by the bending
members becomes relatively small (with respect to the amount of
displacement), so that the required current for obtaining the
desired amount of displacement can be reduced.
[0210] FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing another example of
electric supply according to this embodiment. In the example shown
in FIG. 47, the bending member 235a is grounded, and an electric
potential Va is applied to the bending member 235c at a position
where the shape memory alloy member 232 is wound a half.
Similarly,. the bending member 235e at a position where the shape
memory alloy member 232 is wound in one turn is ground. An electric
potential Vb is applied to the bending member 235g of the position
where the shape memory alloy member 232 is wound in one turn and a
half. In addition, the bending member 235i at a position where the
shape memory alloy member 232 is wound in two turns is grounded. An
electric potential Vc is applied to the bending member 235k at a
position where the shape memory alloy member 232 is wound in two
turns and half. In addition, the bending member 235i at a position
where the shape memory alloy member 232 is wound in three turns is
grounded. As a result, the current Ia flows from the bending member
235c to the bending member 235a, and the current Ib flows from the
bending member 235c to the bending member 235e. Moreover, the
current Ic flows from the bending member 235g to the bending member
235e, and the current Id flows from the bending member 235g to the
bending member 235i. In addition, the current Ie flows from the
bending member 235k to the bending member 235i, and the current If
flows from the bending member 235k to the bending member 235m. The
values of the respective current can be set as
Ia.ltoreq.Ib.ltoreq.Ic.ltoreq.Id.ltoreq.Ie.ltoreq.If. For example,
based on the experimental result of FIG. 46, the current Ia and the
current Ib can be set to about 80 mA, the current Ic and the
current Id can be set to about 100 mA, and the current Ie and the
current If can be set to about 160 mA. In the example shown in FIG.
47, both of a constant voltage circuit and a constant current
circuit can be used as a power supply circuit.
[0211] Moreover, instead of causing the current Ia through If to
flow, it is possible to cause the current to partially flow. With
respect to the entire length of the shape memory alloy member 232,
a part where the current flows and a part where the current does
not flow can be selectable, so that the amount of the displacement
of the shape memory alloy member 232 can be varied.
[0212] FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing a driving device 231c
according to this embodiment. The energizing circuit 237c has
constant current circuits 238a, 238b and 238c. A terminal of the
constant current circuit 238a is connected to the bending member
235m, and the other terminal of the constant current circuit 238a
is connected to the bending member 235a. A terminal of the constant
current circuit 238b is connected to the bending member 235m, and
the other terminal of the constant current circuit 238b is
connected to the bending member 235e. A terminal of the constant
current circuit 238c is connected to the bending member 235m, and
the other terminal of the constant current circuit 238c is
connected to the bending member 235i. Between the bending member
235m and the bending member 235i, the constant current circuits
238a, 238b and 238c cause the current Ia+Ib+Ic to flow. Between the
bending member 235i and the bending member 235e, the constant
current circuits 238a and 238b cause the current Ia+Ib to flow.
Between the bending member 235e and the bending member 235a, the
constant current circuits 238a causes the current Ia to flow. That
is, in the shape memory alloy member 232, the current flowing
between the bending member 235m and the bending member 235i is the
largest, the current flowing between the bending member 235i and
the bending member 235e is the second largest, and the current
flowing between the bending member 235e and the bending member 235a
is the smallest. In concrete, considering the experimental result
of FIG. 46, the largest current (Ia+Ib+Ic) can be set to 160 mA,
the second largest current (Ia+Ib) can be set to 100 mA, and the
smallest current (Ia) can be set to 80 mA. In this case, the
current Ib can be set to 20 mA, and the current Ic can be set to 60
mA.
[0213] FIG. 49 is a block diagram of the energizing circuit 237c
shown in FIG. 48. As shown in FIG. 49, an entire length L of the
shape memory alloy member 232 (the length from the bending member
235a to the bending member 235m) is set to be 15 mm. The length L3
between the bending members 235a and 235e of the shape memory alloy
member 232, the length L2 between the bending members 235e and
235i, and the length L1 between the bending members 235i and 235m
are respectively set to 5 mm. The resistance of the shape memory
alloy member 232 is set to 0.5 .OMEGA./mm. If the current Ia+Ib+Ic
(160 mA) flows between the bending member 235m and the bending
member 235i of the shape memory alloy member 232, the current Ia+Ib
(100 mA) flows between the bending member 235i and the bending
member 235e, and the current Ia (80 mA) flows between the bending
member 235e and the bending member 235a,the entire power
consumption is 0.105 W. In contrast, in a block chart of a
comparative example shown in FIG. 50, when a constant current 160
mA flows throughout the entire length L (15 mm) of the shape memory
alloy member 232, the power consumption is 0.192 W. Base on this
result, it is understood that it becomes possible to decrease the
power consumption to 55% by separately supplying the current as
shown in FIG. 49.
[0214] FIG. 51 is a circuit diagram for illustrating the constant
current circuits 238a through 238c shown in FIG. 48. In the
constant current circuit 238c, a resistance 238d (R0) is a current
value detection resistance. When the current 238e (IC) flows
through the resistance 238d (R0), the potential difference of
Ic.times.R0 is caused between both ends of the resistance 238d (R0)
This potential difference is an input voltage to a minus input
terminal 238g of an operational amplifier 238f. Moreover, an input
voltage (reference voltage) to a plus input terminal 238j of the
operational amplifier 238f is determined by a resistance 238h (R1)
and a variable resistance 238i (VR). The operational amplifier 238f
operates to change the electric potential of a G-terminal 238l of
an FET (field-effect transistor) 238k, and to adjust the current
flowing from a D-terminal 238 m to a S-terminal 238n so that the
electric potential of the minus input terminal 238g of the
operational amplifier 238f is the same as the electric potential of
the plus input terminal 238j. As a result, the electric potential
of the minus input terminal 238g of the operational amplifier 238f
becomes constant, and the current (Ic=V/R0) 238e becomes constant,
irrespective of the resistance of the shape memory alloy member
232. The constant current circuits 238a and 238b operate in a
similar manner to the constant current circuit 238c.
[0215] The constant current circuit 238a though 238c are described
as being sink-type circuits, but not limited to this. It is
possible to use a source-type circuit. In this case, a ground
electric potential is applied to the bending member 235m closest to
the fixed end of the shape memory alloy member 2, and the
directions of the respective currents Ia, Ib and Ic are opposite to
those shown in FIG. 49.
[0216] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the
current flows through the respective portions of the shape memory
alloy member 232 in accordance with the friction load or the like,
it becomes possible to obtain a large amount of displacement at a
small power consumption.
Embodiment 17.
[0217] FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a
driving device 241a according to Embodiment 17 of the present
invention. In the above described Embodiments 14 through 16, the
shape memory alloy member is wound around a plurality of pin-shaped
bending members, and the current is supplied to the shape memory
alloy member via the bending members. In this embodiment, the
pin-shaped bending members are further mechanically and
electrically connected to an electric circuit board.
[0218] As shown in FIG. 52, in the driving device 241a, pin-shaped
bending members 245a, 245b, 245c and 245d are planted on an
electric circuit board 249 in such a manner that the bending
members 245a, 245b, 245c and 245d are mechanically connected to the
electric circuit board 249. Further, among the bending members
245a, 245b, 245c and 245d, at least the bending members 245a and
245d are electrically connected to the electric circuit board 249.
Between the bending members 245a and 245d, fixing pins 249a and
249b are planted in this order from the side closer to the bending
member 245a.
[0219] An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 242 is
fixed to a fixing pin 249a by means of a crimp contact 248a, and
the shape memory alloy member 242 is wound around the bending
member 245a, 245b, 245c and 245d at 90 degrees for each. The other
end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 242 is fixed to
an end of the resilient member 244 by means of a crimp contact
248b, and the other end of the resilient member 244 is fixed to the
fixing pin 249b. Other configuration is the same as Embodiment
14.
[0220] The bending members 245a through 245d constitute a bending
means which bends the shape memory alloy member 242. Portion of the
circumferential surfaces of the bending members 245a through 245d
contacting the shape memory alloy member 242 constitute a contact
portion of the bending means contacting the shape memory alloy
member 242. The electric circuit board 249 constitutes a holding
means which holds the bending members 245a through 245d.
[0221] In the above described configuration, the movable body (the
crimp contact 248b) can be displaced by causing the current to flow
through the shape memory alloy member 242 by means of the electric
circuit board 249 via the bending members 245a and 245d so that the
shape memory alloy member 242 is heated and contracted.
[0222] According to this embodiment, the bending members 245a
through 245d are held by the electric circuit board 249, and
therefore it is not necessary to provide a separate base. Thus, the
number of components can be reduced, with the result the downsizing
of the driving device can be easily accomplished. Particularly, if
this driving device 241a is applied to the above described
Embodiments 14 through 16 (FIGS. 40, 42 through 44 and 47 through
48), it becomes possible to form the energizing circuit (for
example, the energizing circuit 237 of FIG. 40 or the energizing
circuit 217c of FIG. 48) on the electric circuit board 249.
Therefore, it becomes easy to supply electricity to the bending
members 215, 225 and 235 (FIGS. 40, 42 through 44 and 47 through
48). Moreover, since the bases 216, 226 and 236 (FIGS. 40, 42
through 44 and 47 through 48) can be composed of the electric
circuit board 249, the number of components can be reduced, and the
downsizing of the driving device can be easily accomplished.
[0223] FIG. 53 is a perspective view showing another configuration
example of the driving device according to this embodiment. In the
driving device 241b shown in FIG. 53, the bending members 245a,
245b, 245c and 245d are planted on the base 246. Between the
bending members 245a and 245d, the fixing pins 249a and 249b are
planted in this order from the side closer to the bending member
245a. An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 242 is
fixed to the fixing pin 249a by means of the crimp contact 248a,
and the shape memory alloy member 242 is wound around the bending
member 245a, 245b, 245c and 245d at abut 90 degrees for each. The
other end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 242 is
fixed to an end of a resilient member 244 by means of a crimp
contact 248b, and the other end of the resilient member 244 is
fixed to the fixing pin 249b.
[0224] In the driving device 241b shown in FIG. 53, in addition, an
electric circuit board 249 is provided on the side opposite to the
base 246 with respect to the shape memory alloy member 242. The
bending members 245a through 245d are mechanically connected to the
electric circuit board 249. The pin-shaped bending members 245a
through 245d engage four penetration holes punched on the electric
circuit board 249. Moreover, among the bending members 245a through
245d, the bending members 245a and 245d needed for energizing the
shape memory alloy member 242 are electrically connected to
electric circuit board 249. It is also possible to connect all
bending members 245a through 245d to the electric circuit board 249
electricity and mechanically.
[0225] In the above described driving device 241a of FIG. 52, the
bending members 245a through 245d are connected to the electric
circuit board 249. Therefore, when the driving force generated by
the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy member 242
is relatively small, the bending members 245a through 245d can be
stably held. However, when the driving force generated by the
expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy member 242 is
relatively large, it is difficult to stably hold the bending
members 245a through 245d, and therefore the reliability of the
electric connection may decrease. In contrast, according to the
driving device 241b shown in FIG. 53, the bending member 245a
through 245d are held by the base 246, and therefore it is possible
to stably hold the bending members 245a through 245d by designing
the base 246 according to the load exerted on the bending members
245a through 245d. Moreover, the mechanical connection of the
electric circuit board 249a nd the bending members 245a through
245d helps the electric circuit board 249 to hold the bending
members 245a through 245d, and therefore it is possible to stably
hold the bending members 245a through 245d even when the force
exerted on the bending members 245a through 245d is relatively
large. Moreover, by placing the electric circuit board 249 on the
side opposite to the base 246 with respect to the shape memory
alloy member 242, it is possible to prevent the shape memory alloy
member 242 from dropping out of the bending members 245a through
245d.
[0226] In the case of the driving device 241b, it is also possible
to use a seat-like flexible board, so-called the FPC (Flexible
Printed Circuit) board, because the electric circuit board 249 is
not needed to have a strength.
Embodiment 18.
[0227] FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a
driving device 251 according to Embodiment 18 of the present
invention. In the above described Embodiments 14 through 17, the
shape memory alloy member is wound around the pin-shaped bending
members (for example, the bending members 215a through 215d shown
in FIG. 40). In contrast, in the driving device 251 according to
this embodiment, a shape memory alloy member 252 is wound around a
bending member 252 composed of a structural body made of a
non-conductive member (for example, a plastic) on which a
conductive member is formed.
[0228] As shown in FIG. 54, the driving device 251 has a bending
member 255 made by forming four approximately cylindrical
projections 255a through 255d on four corners of a structural body
255e made of an insulation material (for example, a plastic) in the
form of, for example, a quadrangular column. On a surface of the
projections 255a and 255d side of the bending member 255, fixing
members 258b and 258a are formed in this order from the side closer
to the projection 255a. An end (fixed end) of the shape memory
alloy member 252 is fixed to the fixing member 258b of the bending
member 255, and the shape memory alloy member 252 is wound around
the projections 255a, 255b, 255c and 255d at 90 degrees for each.
The other end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 252 is
fixed to an end of the resilient member 254 via a movable body 253,
and the other end of the resilient member 254 is fixed to the
fixing member 258a.
[0229] The bending member 255 has a conductive member 259a on the
projection 255a closest from the fixed end of the shape memory
alloy member 252, and has another conductive member 259b on the
projection 255d closest from the movable end of the shape memory
alloy member 252. An energizing circuit 257 is connected to the
conductive members 259a and 259b. The energizing circuit 257 causes
the current to flow through the shape memory alloy member 252 via
the conductive members 259a and 259b, so that the shape memory
alloy member 252 is heated and the movable member 253 fixed to the
movable end is displaced. Although the energizing circuit 257 is
illustrated to be apart from the bending member 255 in FIG. 54, it
is possible to form the energizing circuit 257 on the surface of
the bending member 255, and to form a solid circuit board.
[0230] The bending member 255 having the projections 255a through
255d constitute a bending means which bends the shape memory alloy
member 252. Portions of the circumferential surfaces of the
projections 255a through 255d contacting the shape memory alloy
member 252 constitute a contact portion of the bending means
contacting the shape memory alloy member 252. The bending member
255 constitutes a holding means which holds the projections 255a
through 255d.
[0231] In the above described configuration, the movable body 253
can be displaced by causing the current to flow through the shape
memory alloy member 252 by means of the energizing circuit 257 via
the bending members 259a and 259b so that the heating shape memory
alloy member 252 is heated and contracted.
[0232] According to this embodiment, since the shape memory alloy
member 252 is wound around the contact portions 258a through 258d
integrally formed with the bending member 255, it is possible to
enhance the rigidity of the contact portions 258a through 258d.
Therefore, even when a load applied to the contact portions 258a
through 258d is large, it is possible to prevent the deformation of
the contact portions 258a through 258d, and to enhance the
reliability of the electrical connection between the conductive
members 259a and 259b and the energizing circuit 257. Particularly,
compared with the case in which the shape memory alloy member 252
is wound around pin-shaped bending members (for example, FIG. 52),
the strength of the mechanical connection between the energizing
circuit 257 and the conductive members 259a and 259b is high, and
the reliability of the electrical connection is high. Further,
since the energizing circuit 257 is formed on the bending member
255 to form a solid circuit, it is not necessary to employ a
configuration in which the pin-shaped bending members 245a through
245d is sandwiched between the base 246 and the electric circuit
board 249a shown in FIG. 53. As a result, it is possible to
accomplish the downsizing of the driving device, while maintaining
the reliabilities of the electrical connection and the mechanical
connection.
Embodiment 19.
[0233] FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a
driving device 261a according to Embodiment 19 of the present
invention. In the driving device 261a shown in FIG. 55, a bending
member 265a respectively in the form of a cylinder having minute
convex portions 265e on the circumferential surface thereof is
rotatably supported on a base 266. An end (fixed end) of a shape
memory alloy member 262 is fixed to a fixing pin 269 a provided on
the base 266, and the shape memory alloy member 262 is wound around
the bending member 265a at about 180 degrees in such a manner that
the shape memory alloy member 262 contacts the convex portions 265e
of the bending member 265a. The other end (movable end) of the
shape memory alloy member 262 is fixed to an end of a resilient
member 264 via a movable body 263, and the other end of the
resilient member 264 is fixed to a fixing pin 269b planted on the
base 266. The energizing circuit 267 is connected with the fixing
pins 269a and 269b. Other configuration is the same as Embodiment
1.
[0234] The bending member 265a constitutes a bending means which
bends the shape memory alloy member 262. Portions of the convex
portions 265e of the bending member 265a contacting the shape
memory alloy member 262 constitutes a contact portion of the
bending means contacting the shape memory alloy member 262. The
base 266 constitutes a holding member for holding the bending
member 265a.
[0235] In the above described configuration, the movable body 263
can be displaced by causing the current to flow through the shape
memory alloy member 262 by means of the energizing circuit 267 via
the fixing pins 269a and 269b so that the shape memory alloy member
262 is heated and contracted.
[0236] FIGS. 56(a) through (c) are perspective views showing
experimental arrangements 261b, 261c and 261d for verifying the
effect of the driving device 261a. In the experimental arrangement
261b shown in FIG. 56(a), a wire-shaped memory alloy member 262 is
wound around a cylindrical bending member 265b having a diameter of
10 mm which is not rotatable and which has no convex portions. An
end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 262 is fixed to a
fixing pin 269a, and a weight 264 a which weighs 50 g is fixed to
the other end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 262.
When the energizing circuit 267 causes a direct current of 140 mA
to flow through an area of the shape memory alloy member 262
including a portion wound around the bending member 265b, the
amount of displacement of the movable end of the shape memory alloy
member 262 is measured. In the experimental arrangement 261c shown
in FIG. 56(b), a cylindrical bending member 265c having a diameter
of 10 mm which has no convex portion is rotatably supported on the
base 266, and the other conditions are the same as those of the
experimental arrangement 261b of FIG. 56(a). In the experimental
arrangement 261d shown in FIG. 56(c), a bending member 265d having
a diameter of 10 mm which has convex portions 265e on the
circumferential surface thereof is rotatably supported on the base
266, and the other conditions are the same as those of the
experimental arrangement 261b of FIG. 56(b). The contact ratio of
the bending member 25 (ratio of a length with which the convex
portion 265e contacts the shape memory alloy member 262 with
respect to an entire circumferential length of the bending member
265d) is 33%. The bending members 261b, 261c and 261d shown in
FIGS. 56(a) through (c) are made of POM.
[0237] Using the experimental apparatuses shown in FIGS. 56(a)
through (c), the amount of displacement on a movable end of the
shape memory alloy member 262 is measured on condition that the
winding angle is set to 360 degrees (one turn), 450 degrees (1 turn
and half) and 720 degrees (two turns). A further experiment is
carried out on condition that the rotation of the bending member
265d is locked in the experimental arrangement 261d shown in FIG.
56(c). The result thereof is shown in Table 6 and FIG. 57. In FIG.
57, the vertical axis indicates a displacement ratio H (%), and the
horizontal axis indicates a winding angle .theta. (degrees). In
FIG. 57, the mark a indicates the data when the non-rotatable
cylindrical bending member 265b (FIG. 56(a)) is used. The mark b
indicates the data when the rotatable cylindrical bending member
265c (FIG. 56(b)) is used. The mark c indicates the data when the
non-rotatable bending member (not shown) having a contact ratio of
33% (FIG. 56(c)) is used. The mark d indicates the data when the
rotatable bending member 265b having a contact ratio of 33% (FIG.
56(c)) is used. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 ROTATION OF DISPLACEMENT
RATIO (%) BENDING MEMBER 1.5 (CONTACT RATIO) 1 TURN TURNS 2 TURNS
AVERAGE NON-ROTATABLE 69.2 56.0 51.8 59.0 (33%) ROTATABLE 79.0 70.2
68.1 72.4 (33%) NON-ROTATABLE 24.8 26.6 25.3 25.6 (100%) ROTATABLE
30.9 41.1 38.8 36.9 (100%)
[0238] Based on FIG. 57, it is understood that, when the rotatable
bending member 265c (the mark b) is used instead of the
non-rotatable bending member 265b (the mark a), the displacement of
the shape memory alloy 262 increases approximately 1.2 to 1.5
times. Moreover, when the rotatable bending member 265d (the mark
d) having the contact ratio of 33% is used, the displacement of the
shape memory alloy 262 increases approximately 2.7 to 3.2
times.
[0239] Based on the above described result, according to this
embodiment, it becomes possible to increase the amount of
displacement of the movable body 263 by using the rotatable bending
member 261a having convex portions on the circumferential surface
thereof. While the driving devices having wire-shaped shape memory
alloy members wound around pulleys are disclosed in Japanese
Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. HEI 8-776743 and HEI 10-148174,
it becomes possible to obtain a large amount of displacement by
forming convex portions on these pulleys so as to reduce the
contact ratio.
[0240] The rotatable bending member is not limited to a cylindrical
shape, but can be in the form of a polygonal column such as a
triangular column as was described in Embodiment 12, and further
can be made of a plurality of pins disposed along a closed
path.
Embodiment 20.
[0241] FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a
driving device 271a according to Embodiment 20 of the present
invention. The driving device 271a according to this embodiment is
different from the driving device 261a (FIG. 55) according to
Embodiment 19 in that a shape memory alloy member 272 is wound
around a pin 279c planted on a circumferential surface of the
bending member 275a.
[0242] As shown in FIG. 58, the driving device 271a has a rotatable
bending member 275a in the form of an approximately cylindrical
shape having a lot of minute convex portions 275e formed on the
circumferential surface thereof. On the circumferential surface of
this bending member 275a, a pin (protrusion) 279c is provided, in
addition to the convex portion 275e. The pin 279c protrudes in the
radial direction of the bending member 275a, in addition to the
convex portion 275e. An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy
member 272 in the form of a wire is fixed to a fixing pin 279b on a
base 276 by means of a crimp contact 278b. The shape memory alloy
member 272 is wound around bending member 275a at, for example, 360
degrees. Moreover, the shape memory alloy member 272 is also wound
around the pin 279c at, for example, 360 degrees while the shape
memory alloy member 272 is wound around the bending member 275a.
The other end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 272 is
fixed to an end of a resilient member 274 by means of a crimp
contact 278a, and the other end of resilient member 274 is fixed to
a fixing pin 279a formed on the base 276.
[0243] The bending member 275a constitutes a bending means which
bends the shape memory alloy member 272. The pin 279c constitutes a
protrusion that protrudes from the bending member 275a so that the
shape memory alloy member 272 is wound around the pin 279c.
Portions of the convex portions 275e of the bending member 275a
contacting the shape memory alloy member 272 constitute a contact
portion of the bending means contacting the shape memory alloy
member 272. The base 276 constitutes a holding means which holds
the bending member 275a.
[0244] In the above described configuration, the movable body (the
crimp contact 278a) can be displaced by causing the current to flow
through the shape memory alloy member 272 by means of an energizing
circuit 277 so that the shape memory alloy member 272 is heated and
contracted. With this, the bending member 275a also rotates. When
the current flowing through the shape memory alloy member 272 is
stopped, the shape memory alloy member 272 is cooled and expanded
to its original length, so that the movable body (the crimp contact
278a) returns to its original position, and the bending member 275a
returns to its original rotational position.
[0245] Although the above described Embodiment 19 (FIG. 55) is
effective when the rotational position of the bending member 265
can be arbitrary as a pulley, this embodiment is effective when the
rotational position of the bending member 265 is limited.
[0246] FIG. 59 is a perspective view showing an experimental
arrangement 271b for measuring the amount of displacement of the
movable body of the driving device 271a according to Embodiment 20.
The experimental arrangement 271b includes a bending member 275b
rotatably provided on a base 276, and the bending member 275b has
convex portions and a pin 279c on the circumferential surface
thereof. The contact ratio of the bending members 275b is 33%. An
end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 272 is fixed to a
fixing pin 279b fixed to the base 276 by means of a crimp contact
278b. The shape memory alloy member 272 is wound around the bending
member 275b at about 360 degrees, then wound around the pin 279c at
about 360 degrees, and further wound around the bending member 275b
at about 360 degrees. The other end (movable end) of the shape
memory alloy member 272 is fixed to an end of a resilient member
274 composed of a coil spring by means of a crimp contact 278a, and
the other end of the resilient member 274 is fixed to a fixing pin
279a planted on the base 276. An energizing circuit 277 is
connected to the fixing pins 279a and 279b, so that a current flows
through the shape memory alloy member 272 via the fixing pins 279a
and 279b. The shape memory alloy member 272 has a diameter of about
60 .mu.m and a length of about 83 mm. The urging force of the
resilient member 274 is about 392.times.10.sup.-3 N when the shape
memory alloy member 272 is not energized. The current caused to
flow through the shape memory alloy member 272 by means of the
energizing circuit 277 is 140 mA. The length c of the shape memory
alloy member 272 from the bending member 275b to the crimp contact
278a is about 1.5 mm.
[0247] Using the experimental arrangement shown in FIG. 59, the
amount of displacement of the crimp contact 278a (when the
energizing is carried out by the energizing circuit 277) is
measured. Additionally, the amount of displacement is measured also
in the case where the shape memory alloy member 272 is not wound
around the pin 279c, or in the case where the rotation of the
bending member 275b is locked. The result thereof is shown in Table
7 and FIG. 60. In FIG. 60, the vertical axis indicates the
displacement ratio H (%). In the horizontal axis, the mark b
indicates data in the case where the shape memory alloy member 272
is wound around the pin 279c as shown in FIG. 59. The mark a
indicates data in the case where the shape memory alloy member 272
is not wound around the pin 279c. The mark c indicates data in the
case where the rotation of the bending member 275b is locked (the
shape memory alloy member 272 is not wound around the pin 279c).
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 BENDING MEMBER WINDING ROTATABLE/
DISPLACEMENT AROUND PIN NOT ROTATABLE RATIO (%) WINDING ROTATABLE
56.9 NO WINDING ROTATABLE 53.5 NO WINDING NOT ROTATABLE 46.8
[0248] Based on FIG. 60, it is understood that it is possible to
obtain the almost same amount of displacement when the shape memory
alloy member 272 is wound around the pin 279c (mark b) and when the
shape memory alloy member 272 is not wound around the pin 279c
(mark a) . Moreover, it is understood that in both of these cases
(marks a and b), it is possible to obtain a larger amount of
displacement than in the case where the rotation of the bending
member 275b is locked (mark c) . That is, it is understood that the
decrease in the amount of displacement due to the winding of the
shape memory alloy member 272 around the pin 279c (i.e., the fixing
of the shape memory alloy member 272 to the bending member 275) is
very small, and almost the same advantage as Embodiment 19 can be
obtained.
[0249] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is
possible to obtain the same advantage as Embodiment 19 even in the
case where the rotational position of the bending member 275 is
limited (not arbitrary).
[0250] The rotatable bending member 275a is not limited to the
cylindrical shape, but may be in the form of a polygonal column
such as a triangular column as was described in Embodiment 12. In
such a case, it is possible to obtain the same advantage.
Embodiment 21.
[0251] FIG. 61(a) is a perspective view of a configuration example
(referred to as a driving device 281a)in the case where the driving
devices 1, 11, 21 and 31 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 through 11 ) are applied
to a lens drive in a camera. The camera to which this driving
device 281a is applied has a cylindrical barrel 286a and a circuit
board 289d provided on a side (rear side) of the barrel 286a
opposite to an object. A lens 283e (FIG. 64(a)) is fixed to a tip
of the barrel 286a. A lens 283b (FIG. 64(a)) held by a lens frame
283a is provided in the barrel 286a. The lens frame 283a is movably
supported by guide axes 283c and 283d (FIG. 64(a)) along an optical
axis X of the lens. A part of the lens frame 283a penetrates a
groove axially formed on the barrel 286a and projects outward.
Moreover, the circuit board 289d has a solid state image sensing
device 289c (FIG. 64(a)) at a position where the image is focused
by lens 283e and 283b.
[0252] On the circumferential surface of the barrel 286a, a
plurality of pin-shaped bending members 285 are planted. These
bending members 285 are disposed at intervals in a circumferential
direction of the barrel 286a. The bending member 285 has a main
part that projects in the radial direction of the barrel 286a and
an orthogonal member that projects from the main part in the
direction almost parallel to the axial direction of the barrel
286a.
[0253] An end (fixed end) of a shape memory alloy member 282 in the
form of a wire is fixed to a fixing member 289b in the vicinity of
the rear end of the barrel 286a. The shape memory alloy member 282
turns around the barrel 286a almost in one turn in such a manner
that the shape memory alloy member 282 is wound around the bending
members 285, and further extends in the axial direction of the
barrel 286a. The other end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy
member 282 is fixed to the rear end of the above described lens
frame 283a. An end of a resilient member 284 is fixed to a front
end of the lens frame 283a, and the other end of this resilient
member 284 is fixed to a fixing member 289a provided in the
vicinity of the front end of the barrel 286a. An energizing circuit
287 is connected to both ends of the shape memory alloy member
282.
[0254] When the energizing circuit 287 causes the current to flow
through the shape memory alloy member 282 to heat the shape memory
alloy member 282, the shape memory alloy member 282 is contracted
resisting the urging force of the resilient member 284, so that the
lens frame 283a moves rearward (direction of an arrow A) . When the
energizing of the shape memory alloy member 282 is stopped, the
shape memory alloy member 282 is cooled and expanded to its
original length, so that the lens frame 283a moves frontward
(direction of an arrow B) by means of the urging force of the
resilient member 284. As a result, the lens 283b (FIG. 64(a)) moves
in the direction of the optical axis X, and, for example, a zooming
operation or a focusing operation is carried out.
[0255] As constructed above, it becomes possible to dispose the
shape memory alloy member 282 whose entire length is long (i.e., a
amount of displacement is large) around the barrel 286a without
increasing the length of the barrel 286a of the camera. Moreover,
since the shape memory alloy member 282 is wound around the
pin-shaped bending members 285, it is possible to reduce the ratio
of the length with which the shape memory alloy member 282 contacts
the bending members 285 to the entire circumferential length of the
barrel 286a (i.e., a contact ratio). As a result, it is possible to
reduce the decrease in the amount of displacement, compared with
the case in which the shape memory alloy member 282 is linearly
disposed.
[0256] FIG. 61(b) is a perspective view showing a configuration
example (referred to as a driving device 281b)in the case where the
driving device 51 (FIG. 14) of Embodiment 6 is applied to the lens
drive of the camera. In this driving device 281b, a large number of
convex portions 285b similar to the convex portions 54a (FIG. 14)
described in Embodiment 6 are formed in the circumferential
direction of the barrel 286a. Only one bending member 285a, for
example, is formed on the rear side of the lens frame 283a. An end
(fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 282 is fixed to a
fixing member 289b, and the shape memory alloy member 282 is wound
around the barrel 286a in almost one turn in such a manner that the
shape memory alloy member 282 contacts the convex portions 285b,
and then the shape memory alloy member 282 is wound around the
bending member 285a at about 90 degrees. The other end (movable
end) of the shape memory alloy member 282 is fixed to the lens
frame 283a. Each convex portion 285b is elongated in the axial
direction of the barrel 286a. Other configuration is the same as
the driving device 281a shown in FIG. 61(a).
[0257] Using the driving device 281b, it becomes possible to
dispose the shape memory alloy member 282 whose entire length is
long (i.e., a amount of displacement of the movable end is large)
around the barrel 286a without increasing the length of the barrel
286a of the camera. Moreover, since the shape memory alloy member
282 is wound around the bending member 285a and the convex portion
285b, it is possible to reduce the ratio of the length with which
the shape memory alloy member 282 contacts the bending member 285a
and the convex portions 285b to the entire circumferential length
of the barrel 286a (i.e., a contact ratio). As a result, it is
possible to reduce the decrease in the amount of displacement,
compared with the case in which the shape memory alloy member 282
is linearly disposed.
[0258] FIG. 62(a) is a perspective view showing a configuration
example (referred to as a driving device 281c)in the case where the
driving device 261a (FIG. 55) of Embodiment 18 is applied to the
lens drive of the camera. In this driving device 281c, a
cylindrical ring 285c is provided on the circumference of the
barrel 286a, and the cylindrical ring 285c is rotatable in the
circumferential direction of the barrel 286a. A number of convex
portions 285b described with reference to FIG. 61(b) are formed on
a circumference of the cylindrical ring 285c at intervals in the
circumferential direction of the cylindrical ring 285c. An end
(fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 282 is fixed to a
fixing member 289b. The shape memory alloy member 282 is wound
around the cylindrical ring 285c in almost one turn in such a
manner that the shape memory alloy member 282 contacts the convex
portions 285b, and then the shape memory alloy member 282 is wound
around the bending member 285a at about 90 degrees. The other end
(movable end) of the shape memory alloy member 282 is fixed to the
lens frame 283a. The cylindrical ring 285c has a cutaway portion
285f in order not to interfere with the fixing member 289b when the
cylindrical ring 285c rotates. Other configuration is the same as
the driving device 281b shown in FIG. 61(b).
[0259] According to this driving device 281c, the contact ratio is
small and the cylindrical ring 285c is rotatable, and therefore it
is possible to increase the amount of displacement of the shape
memory alloy member 282 as was described in Embodiment 18.
[0260] FIG. 62(b) is a perspective view showing a configuration
example (referred to as a driving device 281d)in the case where the
driving device 271a (FIG. 58) of Embodiment 19 is applied to the
lens drive of the camera. In this driving device 281d, the
pin-shaped bending member 285e is planted on the circumferential
surface of the cylindrical ring 285d, and is located behind the
bending member 285a planted on the circumferential surface of the
barrel 286a. The shape memory alloy member 282 is wound around the
convex portions 285b to turn around the cylindrical ring 285c in
1/4 turn, and then wound around the bending member 285e. The shape
memory alloy member 282 is further wound around the convex portions
285b to turn around the cylindrical ring 285c in almost one turn,
and-then bent by the bending member 285 at 90 degrees. Other
compositions are the same as those of the driving device 281c shown
in FIG. 62(a).
[0261] According to the driving device 281d, the positional
relationship between the shape memory alloy member 282 and the
cylindrical ring 285d is regulated by the pin-shaped bending member
285e, and therefore the rotational position of the cylindrical ring
285d does not deviate even if the shape memory alloy member 282 is
repeatedly expanded and contracted. Therefore, it is possible to
keep constant the positional relationship between the fixing member
289b that fixes the fixed end of the shape memory alloy member 282
and the cutaway portion 285f of the cylindrical ring 285d.
[0262] FIGS. 63(a) and (b) are a perspective view and a front view
showing a configuration example (referred to as a driving device
281e) in the case where the driving devices 41 and 151 of
Embodiments 5 and 11 (FIGS. 12 and 26) is applied to the lens
driving of the camera. FIG. 63(c) is another perspective view of
the driving device 281e seen from the direction different from FIG.
63(a).
[0263] As shown in FIGS. 63(a) and (b), the driving device 281e has
a bending member 285g formed in the vicinity of the front end of a
barrel 286a, and a bending member 285f formed in the vicinity of
the rear end of the barrel 286a. The lens frame 283a is disposed
between the bending members 285g and 285f in the axial direction of
the barrel 286a. A bending member 285h is formed on and projects
from the circumferential surface of the barrel 286a, and is located
on a further front position with respect to the bending member
285g. A number of minute convexes are formed on the circumferential
surfaces of the bending members 285g, 285f and 285h, which contact
the shape memory alloy member 282. On the circumferential surface
of the barrel 286a,a fixing member 289b is disposed on a position
shifted from the lens frame 283a in the circumferential direction
of the barrel 286a. A fixing member 289a is provided between the
lens frame 283a and the bending member 285g. A resilient member 284
is provided between the fixing member 289a and the lens frame
283a.
[0264] An end (fixed end) of the shape memory alloy member 282 is
fixed to the fixing member 289b (FIG. 63(c)). The shape memory
alloy member 282 is led frontward from the fixing member 289b in
the axial direction of the barrel 286a. In the vicinity of the
front end of the barrel 286a, the shape memory alloy member 282 is
bend by the bending member 285g at about 180 degrees, and is led
rearward almost in the axial direction of the barrel 286a.
Moreover, the shape memory alloy member 282 is wound by the bending
member 285f at about 180 degrees in the vicinity of the rear end of
the barrel 286a, and is led frontward almost in the axial direction
of the barrel 286a. The other end (movable end) of the shape memory
alloy member 282 is fixed to the lens frame 283a. As shown in FIG.
63(b), where the shape memory alloy member 282 is wound around the
bending member 285g at 180 degrees, the shape memory alloy member
282 also contacts the bending member 285h, so that the shape memory
alloy member 282 does not contact the circumferential surface of
the barrel 286a.
[0265] According to the driving device 286a, it is possible to
dispose the shape memory alloy member 282 whose entire length is
long (i.e., the amount of displacement of the movable end is large)
around the barrel 286a without increasing the length of the barrel
286a of the camera. Moreover, because the shape memory alloy member
282 is wound around the bending member 285h, 285g, and 285f having
minute convex portions on the outer sides thereof, it is possible
to suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement.
[0266] In the above described Embodiment 12, it has been described
that, if the bending member is in the form of a polygonal column,
an almost triangular column (whose cross section is almost
triangle) is preferable. However, if the bending member is not in
the form of the polygonal column, the configuration in which the
shape memory alloy member is wound around two bending members is
advantageous in terms of reducing the contact ratio (to thereby
suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement) while keeping
the contact length between one bending member and the shape memory
alloy member as was described in Embodiment 3. The above described
driving device 281e is an example of such a configuration being
applied to the lens driving.
[0267] Next, in order to facilitate the understanding of the effect
of the driving device according to this embodiment, a configuration
example in the case where a driving device in which a shape memory
alloy member is linearly disposed is used for driving the lens in
the camera will be described.
[0268] FIGS. 64(a) and (b) are a side sectional view and a
perspective view showing the configuration example (referred to a
driving device 281f) in the case where the driving device in which
the shape memory alloy member 2 is linearly disposed is used for
driving the lens of the camera. In this driving device 281f, an end
(fixed end) of a shape memory alloy member 282 is fixed to a fixing
member 289b provided in the vicinity of the rear end of the barrel
286a and the other end (movable end) of the shape memory alloy
member 282 is fixed to a lens frame 283a. A fixing member 289a is
provided in the vicinity of the front end of the barrel 286a, and a
resilient member 284 is provided between the fixing member 289a and
the lens frame 283a. An energizing circuit 287 is connected to both
ends of the shape memory alloy member 282. However, in such a
configuration, because the shape memory alloy member 282 is
linearly disposed on the barrel 286a, only a shape memory alloy
member 282 whose entire length is short can be provided in the
camera whose length is short in the direction of the barrel 286a.
Moreover, if the shape memory alloy member 282 whose entire length
is short is provided, there is a problem that a sufficient driving
distance of the lens 283b can not be obtained, since the amount of
displacement of the shape memory alloy member 282 is about 3
through 5% with respect to the entire length of the shape memory
alloy member 282.
[0269] In contrast, according to the driving device 281a (FIG.
61(a)) of this embodiment and the driving devices 281b through 281e
(FIGS. 61(b) through 63(c)) of other example of this embodiment,
the shape memory alloy member 282 whose entire length is long can
be wound around the circumferential surface of the barrel 286a by
means of the bending member 285 (or the bending members 285a
through 285h). Therefore, even in a small-sized camera, there is an
advantage that a sufficient driving length of the lens 283b is
ensured by using the shape memory alloy member 282 whose entire
length is long.
[0270] In the above described Embodiments 1 through 21, although
the shape memory alloy member is heated and deformed by causing the
direct current to flow through the shape memory alloy member, the
embodiments are not limited to this. It is also possible to use an
alternating current instead of the direct current. Moreover, it is
possible to cause a pulse current to flow through the shape memory
alloy member to heat the shape memory alloy member as disclosed in
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. HEI 6-324740, and it is
possible to use a heater to heat the shape memory alloy member as
disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. HEI 6-32296.
Furthermore, it is possible to use other components to heat the
shape memory alloy member, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open
Patent Publication No. HEI 5-224136. Further, it is possible to
heat the shape memory alloy member by means of a change in
environmental temperature, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open
Patent Publication Nos. 2000-318698, HEI 5-118272, 2003-28337, HEI
7-14376 and HEI 8-179181.
[0271] Moreover, in a configuration in which the shape memory alloy
member is bent by the bending member and is heated to obtain the
amount of displacement, the decrease in the amount of displacement
is large when the contacting part between the shape memory alloy
member and the bending member is large, and the decrease in the
amount of displacement is small when the contacting part between
the shape memory alloy member and the bending member is small, as
described above. This seems to be because, in the contacting part
between the shape memory alloy member and the bending member, the
heat is drawn from the shape memory alloy member via the bending
member, so that the temperature increase of the shape memory alloy
member is suppressed. With consideration given to this, it is
effective to heat the shape memory alloy member by energizing in
terms of obtaining a large amount of displacement. Moreover, in the
case where the temperature increase of the bending member is slow
(in the case where the heat of the shape memory alloy member does
not tend to be drawn), it is also effective to heat the shape
memory alloy member by means of the change in environmental
temperature, an external heater and the like. In contrast, in a
configuration that indirectly heats the shape memory alloy member
by means of heat transfer by heating a member around which the
shape memory alloy member is wound (for example, a configuration
disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. HEI
5-224136), it is not possible to obtain a sufficient amount of
displacement.
[0272] Besides the reduction of the contacting part between the
shape memory alloy member and the bending member, it is also
possible to suppress the decrease in the amount of displacement of
the shape memory alloy member by using a material having a low
coefficient of thermal conductivity as the bending member (or the
contact portion contacting the shape memory alloy member).
[0273] Moreover, in the above described Embodiments 1 through 21,
although a tension coil spring is used as a resilient member for
urging the shape memory alloy member, the resilient member is not
limited to this. It is also possible to use a compressive coil
spring, a torsion coil spring, a plate spring, a rubber or the
like. Furthermore, the resilient member is not limited to a
conductive material such as metal. If a material other than the
conductive material is used as the resilient member, and if the
shape memory alloy member is heated by energizing, it is only
necessary to energize between both ends of the shape memory alloy
member. Furthermore, instead of using the resilient member, it is
possible to employ various methods for urging the shape memory
alloy member, for example, urging the movable body by means of
gravity.
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